Legal custody defines a parent’s decision-making responsibilities following a separation or divorce. When you share legal custody with your co-parent, you both have an equal say in major decisions that affect your child’s life. These include those related to their education, healthcare and religious upbringing.
While it does not mean you must agree on every minor detail or a decision cannot be made during emergencies, you are supposed to collaborate as co-parents on significant child-related decisions regardless of whichever parent has primary physical custody. Here is more on what you need to know about shared legal custody.
The benefits and challenges
Shared legal custody allows parents to actively remain involved in the child’s life. This can be important to maintaining strong relationships with your child, supporting them and ensuring their emotional stability. Sharing decision-making responsibilities also encourages co-parents to cooperate in the child’s best interests.
While shared legal custody has its benefits, it can also be problematic, especially if you have a contentious relationship with your co-parent. Disagreements on significant issues can lead to conflict, which may require legal intervention. For instance, a deadlock can delay important decisions, potentially impacting the child’s welfare.
Enforcing legal custody orders
If your co-parent constantly overlooks your input or doesn’t involve you when making important decisions about your child under shared legal custody, enforcing your parental rights may become necessary. The first step is to communicate directly with them to address the issue. Try and explain how their actions violate the custody arrangement and how it affects your parent-child relationship.
However, if amicable discussions to resolve the matter fail, you may need to take legal action. This may involve turning to the court for a reprieve to ensure both parents uphold their shared responsibilities and work together in making decisions that prioritize the child’s welfare.