Legal custody pertains to the decision making right regarding your child’s health, education and general welfare.

Legal custody, most commonly awarded as “Joint Legal Custody,” requires that each parent keep the other informed of the child’s goings on. This includes not only health, education, and general welfare, but also school and activity schedules, medical appointments and any major matter regarding the child’s life

It requires that parents communicate and cooperate when it comes to making decision about the well-being of the child. It certainly includes informing the other parent if a move is anticipated.

Legal custody includes sharing the status of the child’s well-being and location in emergency situations.  Chancery Courts require specific language that states;

“IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that in the event of a threat, disaster, or other emergency, such as  a hurricane, which causes an emergency evacuation, any party who has custody of a minor child (either physical custody or visitation) shall notify the other parent of the location and well-being of the minor as soon as reasonably possible.“

While this should be common sense, divorced parties are not always known for exercising common sense.  Hurricanes and Legal Custody require that you  keep the other parent informed on the well-being of the child.

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody attorney in Mississippi and routinely exercises common sense and encourages you to do so as well.

Visit the website: Thompson Law Firm

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms