Ask Me Help Desk - Joint Lega Custody

My son's father and I were never married nor did we ever live together! In March of this year he had me served with legal paper's whereas he was asking the court to grant him visitation rights with my son as well as joint legal custody. He just began a part of my son's life in March 2007. I don't have a problem, whatsover, with him visiting my son. My question is this: how likely is it that he will be awarded joing legal custody over my son? And what qualifies the non-custodial parent to be awarded joint legal custody?

Even if this man has a past criminal background and is Muslim, will a judge be more likely to still grant him joint legal custody? I fully understand that joint legal custody means we share everything from health care to educational dealings to religious beliefs,etc. Is it very likely that he will be granted joint legal custody?

Legal custody simple means that he has an equal say in how the child is raised. There is a good chance he will get it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aconner

My son's father and I were never married nor did we ever live together! In March of this year he had me served with legal paper's whereas he was asking the court to grant him visitation rights with my son as well as joint legal custody. He just began a part of my son's life in March 2007. I don't have a problem, whatsover, with him visiting my son. My question is this: how likely is it that he will be awarded joing legal custody over my son? And what qualifies the non-custodial parent to be awarded joint legal custody?

Even if this man has a past criminal background and is Muslim, will a judge be more likely to still grant him joint legal custody? I fully understand that joint legal custody means we share everything from health care to educational dealings to religious beliefs,etc. Is it very likely that he will be granted joint legal custody?

There's a big difference between joint custody and being the custodial parent - what is he asking for? Joint legal custody?

I don't understand the "even if ... and is Muslim ..." part. Why would that be a problem for the Judge?

Unless the father is dangerous to the child I don't see him having a problem here -

Quote:

Originally Posted by aconner

Even if this man has a past criminal background and is Muslim, will a judge be more likely to still grant him joint legal custody? I fully understand that joint legal custody means we share everything from health care to educational dealings to religious beliefs,etc. Is it very likely that he will be granted joint legal custody?

First, please don't ask a follow-up by editing your original post. This just confuses matters. Use the Answer or Quick Reply options.

Being a Muslim will have no affect on the judges decision, but a prior criminal record might.