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View Full Version : Sole custody vs. Joint custody


nmo11
Mar 10, 2009, 11:25 AM
I currently have joint custody of my two children and I have physical placement. Their mother has had another child that is about 3 years old and she is currently going through a custody battle in which this child's father is going for sole custody due to my ex's habitual drug use and her inability to co-parent. I have been considering going back to court to ask for sole custody as well due to the same reasons as well as other issues like completely cutting off communication with our children since Nov. thus not taking her supervised visitation set forth in the court order. My boys are completely lost and upset that she has once again dropped out of their lives and they no way to even contact her to find out why or tell her how they feel.

Are there any benefits of having sole custody vs. joint? Due to changes in circumstances (she can't hold a job, DCF has taken her younger son away, she had a baby that had severe heart problems due to her drug use, no way to contact via phone or address, not taking visitation, not paying court ordered CS or 50% medical expenses, etc... ) since joint custody was established, would judge reconsider? I have been considering moving to acquire a better job. Would having sole custody make it so I could move without her consent?

FL

ScottGem
Mar 10, 2009, 11:40 AM
Sole custody will mean you don't have to consult her on certain decisions affecting the children. However, as long as there is a visitation schedule in place, you have to get the court's permission to move or modify that schedule.