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Child Custody and Visitation Information by State

States establish their own family laws, including those that govern child custody and visitation. Courts will follow these laws in awarding and enforcing child custody and visitation orders. 

Below are links to child custody and visitation legal information at the national and state levels. The sources include information on parenting plans and agreements where available.

You might find what you want on the state-specific Family Courts and Family Law Forms pages.

How States Decide Custody Generally

Most states follow the best interests of the child standard to make custody decisions. Courts will consider various factors to decide the custody of the child. Factors include the child’s needs, the ability of each parent to provide child care, and both parents’ physical and mental health.

The court will also consider the parent-child relationship between each parent and the child. The court will use these factors to order a custody arrangement or enter a visitation order. Ultimately, the court prioritizes the safety and well-being of the child.

There are different types of custody. The court may order joint physical custody, joint legal custody, or sole custody of the minor child. Legal custody means a parent can make major decisions about the child’s life. This includes decisions about health care, medical care, or education. Physical custody is where a child primarily lives.

If a parent is “unfit" by the court, the court may order the non-custodial parent to undergo a support order. The non-custodial parent may have to pay child support to the custodial parent.

National

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawai’i

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Get Professional Legal Help with Your Child Custody Case

Child custody and visitation information varies by state. Forms and other resources are available. But, nothing matches the support that an experienced family law attorney can provide. They are well-versed in the laws of your state and can be your strongest advocate with the court. They can help you get a final court order on child custody.

Get started today by finding a skilled family law attorney in your state.

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