Few Facts & Information About Child Custody Laws

Child custody is viewed by the courts as an extension of the parent's obligation to provide support and education to their children. The concept behind all child custody laws is to protect minor children from the detrimental effects that might
result from a divorce or separation of their parents.

Therefore, it has been the focus to ensure that minor children from divorce or separated parents get their educational, emotional, physical, and financial needs met in spite of their parent's separation. In other words, spouses can divorce
from each other, but they don't divorce their children.

The parents' duties toward their minor children do not end with divorce or separation. Parents must provide for their child/children until they reach legal age. Legal age can vary according to the state where you live; however, when
reaching 18-21 years old, an individual is considered an adult for all legal purposes in most states.

There are other ways that a minor can acquire legal age in legal terms that are called: emancipation. Emancipation can result from a minor getting married or a minor unable to rely on his or her parents for support, thus becoming self-
sufficient. Depending on what state you reside in, there could be other situations leading to emancipation.

Historically, children were viewed as property of the married couple. After the divorce, minor children were traditionally passed to the father's care because, in those times, the father was considered most likely to have the means to provide for the care & support of his children.

Later on, by the mid 18th Century, the mother became the preferred parent for custody purposes. The courts adopted this practice based on the concept that mothers were more able to provide for the care of their children, especially
during infancy and early childhood. Later on, the tendency in the courts was to not award child custody to a working
or professional woman but to the father instead. Nowadays, courts are more objective about the factors to consider when awarding child custody and visitation rights.

The way judges would see the parent's gender as a base to grant child custody has changed over the years. However, one vital thing that has not changed is the standard or principle under which a custody case is adjudicated - That is the child's best interest.

If you need a reputable & experienced custody lawyer who truly understands the burden, challenges, & what it demands to fight for your rights & privileges in child custody cases. Look no further than the office of Eric child custody, the foremost child custody attorney Santa Ana. Contact Mr. Nakasu at 1-714- 916~9800 for a free initial discussion.