Mediate Michigan

Wondering how you can get full custody of your kids? Here’s what you need to know, from Judge Michele F. Lowrance, the author of “The Good Karma Divorce.” Have questions? Ask in the comments.

I have been a judge in family court for seventeen years and, with few exceptions, I have found that those who insist on sole custody of their children often don’t really know what it entails. In fairness, neither do those who insist on joint custody. Divorce is hard enough, but deciding what type of custody to choose is not only difficult but also fraught with confusion.

Unfortunately, because of this confusion, there is a lot of unnecessary expense and heartache. It’s true that sole custody has attributes that joint custody does not that favor the custodial parent; for example, it may be easier to get a court to allow you to move out of the jurisdiction, and the sole custodian has the right to make all the major decisions about education, medical care and religion without consulting the other parent. Additionally, the non-custodial parent usually does not get access to school, activities, or medical records.

via How To Divorce: How Can I Get Full Custody Of The Kids?.