Alabama Child Custody
If you are living in Alabama and involved in a custody situation, you need to familiarize yourself with Title 30 of the Code of Alabama. This section of law contains the information about custody proceedings in the state. Many of these laws and guidelines are helpful when creating an Alabama custody agreement and Alabama parenting plan.
Joint custody. The state encourages both parents to stay involved in the child’s life. Joint custody is recommended and desired by the court–if it is a possibility. Joint custody simply means that the parents will both help to raise the child. They can set the specifications as far as what each parent will do. It doesn’t mean that an Alabama custody schedule gives equal time with the child to both parents.
The court will order joint custody, even if the parents don’t agree to it, if it is in the best interest of the child. When determining if joint custody is in the best interest of the child, the court considers: the agreement or lack of agreement of the parents on joint custody; the past and present ability of the parents to cooperate with each other and make decisions jointly; the ability of the parents to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent; any history of or potential for child abuse, spouse abuse, or kidnapping; and the geographic proximity of the parents to each other as this relates to the practical considerations of joint physical custody. If both parents request joint custody, the presumption is that joint custody is in the best interest of the child and joint custody will be granted.
Alabama Child-Parent Relationship Protection Act. This act is found in Title 7A of Title 30. This is especially important as parents create an Alabama visitation schedule. This act simply declares that the state thinks both parents should have continuing and frequent contact with the child, even after a divorce or separation. It is generally in the best interest of the child to be with both parents. As you create a visitation schedule, be sure that each parent is given adequate time with the children.
