Introduction
Child custody is a sensitive issue that arises when parents separate or divorce. In such cases, the court has to decide who will have the responsibility of raising and caring for the child. Two terms that are often used in this context are "support" and "custody." While they may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two.
Support vs. Custody
Support refers to the financial assistance provided by a parent to help meet the child's basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. This can be in the form of child support payments, which are usually determined by the court based on the income of the parents and the needs of the child.
Custody, on the other hand, refers to the legal right to make decisions about the child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. Custody can be further divided into two categories: physical custody and legal custody.
Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to where the child will live on a day-to-day basis. In most cases, one parent will have primary physical custody, while the other parent will have visitation rights. However, joint physical custody is becoming more common, where the child spends equal time with both parents.
Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child's life, such as education, healthcare, and religion. In some cases, joint legal custody may be awarded, where both parents have an equal say in these decisions. However, in cases where there is conflict between the parents, sole legal custody may be awarded to one parent.
Conclusion
In summary, while support and custody may seem similar, they are two distinct legal concepts. Support refers to the financial assistance provided by a parent, while custody refers to the legal right to make decisions about the child's upbringing. Custody can be further divided into physical custody and legal custody. It is essential to understand these differences when dealing with child custody issues to ensure that the best interests of the child are served.
