Custody battles are among the most unfortunate part of some Rhode Island family law disputes. Depending on the circumstances of your marriage or relationship, the court may award either parent sole physical custody of your children. But, this may just be as bad as it is good.
Sole physical custody in Rhode Island
Sole physical custody is an arrangement in which one parent has the primary responsibility for the child’s housing. The other parent typically gets visitation rights. This means they will have to follow a schedule to spend time with their child.
Advantages of sole physical custody
This type of arrangement can be beneficial for kids as it gives them a sense of stability when it comes to where they will be living. This consistency can help them feel more secure and cope with their parents’ separation better.
Children may also be protected from a parent with a history of substance abuse, domestic violence or mental health issues. As part of a child custody order, the court may organize supervised visits that still allow the child to have a relationship with both parents.
Disadvantages of sole physical custody
On the other hand, a sole physical custody arrangement can be really hard on the non-custodial parent, who may feel left out or like they are missing out on their child’s life. It can also be difficult for children if they want more time with their other parent and vice versa.
Sometimes, a custodial parent may use their position to alienate the child from the other parent by badmouthing them or preventing them from having a relationship. This can cause long-term damage to the child and the family dynamic.
It’s important to note that you can always modify a child custody order if it’s not working out or if there is a change in circumstances.
