| Joint Physical Custody Awards |
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| In most states, "joint physical custody" means that each of the parents shall have significant periods of physical custody of a child. Joint physical custody is shared by the parents in such a way so as to assure the child of frequent and continuing contact with both parents. It does not require that both parents have equal time with the child. More... |
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| Criminal Penalties for Failure to Pay Child Support |
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| The Child Support Recovery Act, as amended by the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act, makes it a federal crime to flee a state in order to avoid paying a child support arrearage. States use criminal contempt to punish parents who fail to pay child support upon a finding of an intentional failure to comply with a court order of support. More... |
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| Restriction on Visitation Rights |
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| In order to protect a child, a court will sometimes impose restrictions on the rights of a noncustodial parent to visit with a child. The extent of the restrictions is based upon what the court finds will best protect the child while still fostering the relationship between the child and the parent. More... |
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| Dispute Resolution for Child Custody Awards |
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| Many states require parents to undergo mediation or other forms of alternate dispute resolution before a court will consider the custody of a child, unless the court finds that mediation would be inappropriate, such as when there are allegations of abuse. More... |
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| Child Support Modification for Best Interest of Child |
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| In some circumstances a tribunal may decide that it is in the best interests of a child to modify the amount of a parent's child support obligation. More often, the modification results in an increase in the amount of support, but there are occasions when a court has found a reason to deviate downwards. More... |
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