Legal Custody versus Physical Custody

There is a large difference between legal custody of a child and physical custody. That difference is based on the right to make the major decisions affecting the child. The parent with legal custody has the right to make those decisions.

Effect Of Adoption on Non-Parent Visitation

When a child is adopted, he or she becomes a part of the new adoptive family. As a result, the child's ties to his or her old, natural or biological family are ended. If visitation rights had been granted to a nonparent, usually a grandparent, before the adoption, most courts would not permit continuation of the visitation. However, if the child is adopted by a stepparent, some courts would continue the visitation by the nonparent, if it is in the child's best interests.

Dispute Resolution for Child Custody Awards

Many states require parents to undergo mediation or other forms of alternate dispute resolution before a court will consider the custody of a child, unless the court finds that mediation would be inappropriate, such as when there are allegations of abuse.

Suspension or Denial of Licenses for Child Support Arrearages

In order to improve the effectiveness of child support collections, states are required to enact laws to deny or suspend the driver's license or professional license of anyone found to have failed to pay his or her child support obligation.

Rights of Grandparents to Visitation

Many states offer an avenue for grandparents to seek visitation with their grandchildren. While most states permit a grandparent to petition for rights of visitation, some impose restrictions as to the circumstances under which the court will consider the petition.