Today is National Cookie Day, yet another in a long string of made up holidays. Chocolate chip cookies seem to be the favorite. The word “cookies” is the ninth most searched term on the Betty Crocker website.

Kids of all ages love cookies. Cookies can sometimes soothe the emotional hurt of a bad day. We sometimes share cookies to celebrate success. Sharing cookies can spark a good conversation with a teenager. Other times, cookies are used to make another parent look bad, as in the case of the Washington dad who fed his children meth-spiked cookies to try and win a custody battle.

Just like there are many different types of cookies, there are many different questions in child custody cases. Here are three of the most frequently asked questions with regards to child custody in our practice:

Three Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is joint custody?

Joint custody means that the parents share custody of the child. When referring to legal custody, this means that unless the court orders one parent to have specific decision-making rights over a particular issue, the parents must confer with one another in making decisions on that issue. When referring to physical custody, this means that each parent has significant time during which the child resides with him/her. This does not require equal time.

2. What is sole custody?

Sole custody means that only one of the parents has custody. When referring to legal custody, this means that only one parent has the decision-making rights, responsibilities, and authority relating to issues concerning the health, education and welfare of the child. When referring to physical custody, this means that the child would reside with one parent.

3. Can a child decide which parent to live with?

In our experience, courts will start to give some consideration to a child’s wishes at age 10. As the child ages and matures, the court will give more weight to the child. In our experience, it is rarely preferable to have a young child testify.

Cookies and the Conclusion

Don’t use cookies to bribe your children in child custody cases. Child custody is almost always the main disagreement in any divorce with children. Please contact us by email today if we can assist you with a divorce, child custody or other family law matter. In addition, you can call us at (573)686-2459. We are here for you when you need us. Our commitment is to earn your confidence by answering all questions and providing quality representation.