Formerly known as “custody,” decision-making responsibility involves making major decisions about a child’s health care, religion or spirituality, and education. Decision-making is not about where the child lives. For example, a party may have sole decision-making responsibility for their child, however, the child may live equally with both parents.
Following are the types of decision-making responsibility:
Sole Decision-Making Responsibility:
One parent has the exclusive right to make major decisions about the child’s welfare. It is only considered when one parent is better equipped to make such decisions or when the parents cannot effectively communicate or cooperate.
Joint Decision-Making Responsibility:
Both parents share the responsibility of making major decisions about the child’s welfare. Parents must show a high level of cooperation and communication between each other. Joint decision-making is often favored by courts as it allows both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life.
Shared Decision-Making Responsibility:
Shared decision-making is similar to joint decision-making but often refers to arrangements where the child lives with both parents for length periods. In these cases, parents not only share decision-making but also time spent with the child.
Parallel or Split Decision-Making Responsibility:
In some cases, parents may divide the decision-making responsibilities. For example, one parent might make decisions about the child’s education while the other handles health care. This arrangement is suggested when parents have strong disagreements but want to communicate and remain actively involved in their child’s life.
When determining decision-making responsibility, the courts prioritize the best interest of the child. They consider the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to cooperate, and the child’s relationship with each parent.
If you have any questions about decision-making responsibility or need guidance, please contact our family lawyers at Shuter Law.