{"id":351619,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-custody\/child-custody-and-visitation-information-by-state.html"},"modified":"2023-06-22T11:50:48","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T16:50:48","slug":"child-custody-and-visitation-information-by-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/child-custody-and-visitation-information-by-state.html","title":{"rendered":"Child Custody and Visitation Information by State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Child Custody and Visitation Information by State<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

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. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

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.
\r\n<\/p>\r\n

You might find what you want on the state-specific Family Courts<\/a> and Family Law Forms<\/a> pages.<\/p>\r\n

How States Decide Custody Generally<\/h2>\r\n

Most states follow the best interests of the child<\/a> 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.<\/p>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

There are different types of custody<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\r\n

If a parent is \u201cunfit<\/a>" 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.<\/p>\r\n

National<\/h2>\r\n