How Is Child Custody Decided If The Child Is 18?

Many divorce cases are likely to proceed with a child custody matter. Before the couple decides to separate, it is necessary to plan the arrangements for the child. You can seek legal assistance from Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC if the case proceeds to court. 

You might be wondering how the child’s custody would be decided if the child is 18 years old. Certain factors are considered before the final decision on child custody. To give you a fair idea, this article covers all the necessary terms considered while concluding the custody of a child who is 18 years old. 

Who will get the child custody if the child is aged 18? 

If you have been processing a divorce and have children involved, you might have thought about the arrangements for the children and a different set of parenting times for each child and parent. 

However, the child’s custody given the age of 18 years only implies that the child will physically stay at either parent’s house. In cases where the child is younger than 18 years, multiple factors are considered by the parents. 

The custodial parent might become the primary caregiver for the 18-year-old child. For instance, the parent might be responsible for the child’s emotional, medical, and educational needs. On the other hand, the non-custodial parent can retain their right to interact with the child. 

Which factors will be considered if the child is younger than 18 years?

As we mentioned earlier, the parents of a child need to be aware of more factors when the child is younger than 18 years. The parents may have to maintain a safe and comfortable home environment where the child’s growth should be promoted. Similarly, the parent should behave with the child responsibly and lovingly. 

Factors like the educational and professional opportunities for the child where the custodial parent resides or the house’s condition might be considered. If the custodial parent fails to meet the basic premise of child custody factors, the child’s custody would likely be rewarded to the other parent. 

Should you hire legal services for child custody cases? 

There might be instances where you might think that the child custody case can be handled individually. However, it would be most reasonable and helpful if you seek legal supervision from Border Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC. Having professional and lawful eyes will always help you identify the anomalies in your case that would otherwise change the decision.