In divorce court, there are different types of child custody. This is sole custody or shared parenting. In juvenile court, both of these options exist, as well as legal, physical, and temporary custody. In probate court, there is guardianship. Each type of custody is unique in its own way and courts decide which one to grant depending on circumstances. Shared Custody/Parenting When both parents are involved in the child’s life, it is called shared parenting. When the arrangement is between one parent and a non-parent, such as a grandparent, it is called shared custody. In a shared parenting arrangement, both parents are involved in the child’s life and share physical and legal custody. Shared parenting means shared decision-making and responsibility. The time with the child is determined by schedules, who works when, and what makes sense. The time spent with the child is usually not a 50:50 split. Courts try to grant shared...
All marriages have their ups and downs. When problems arise that can’t be solved, some couples turn to divorce. This is one solution to marital difficulties, but not the only one. Other actions to consider include legal separation, annulment, dissolution, and marriage counseling.
Legal Separation
When a couple decides to obtain a legal separation, they must go through a process similar to that of a divorce, filing the separation with a court and receiving a decree. They remain legally married; however, they must follow the court orders.
During a legal separation, both spouses live in separate homes, and must abide by their court order. All of the property owned by the couple and all debt is divided in a legal separation. They can proceed with their lives as if they were divorced, however, they cannot remarry. A divorce formally ends a marriage, whereas a legal separation does not.