Custody, Guardianship, Adoption

1 parent makes all decisions w/o consulting other parent

parents share decision making. Must consult and agree. If not court decides.

1 parent has ultimate decision making authority after consulting other parent.

Where the child resides the majority of the time by number of overnights

One parent has majority of nights

50/50 or close to, number of nights

If one parent has primary placement, other has visitation

Any time spent w/ parent, regardless of placement

Parents or DFS

FC sets visitation schedule, consistent with child's best interests. Must be frequent and meaningful contact.

Anytime by agreement

Anytime in child's best interest

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act: Home state (where child has lived for last 6 months) has exclusive jurisdiction

Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act: Parent must file in child's home state.

Perpetrator of domestic violence/sex offender cannot have primary placement/join, sole custody. (Certain Dom. Violence and tier 1,2 sex offe

Fit parents have a consitutional right to parent children w/in bounds of the law.

GP, Aunt/Uncle, Adult Sibling, Prior relationship can file. Not be unreasonable, interfere with p/c relationship

Care of children other than bio-parents or state. Consent or order(unfit, child abused, child's best interest)

Parents cannot care for a child

Parents could, but do not care for child

Child would likely suffer physical/emotional abuse in parents home

in place til child is 18. Must Prove 1)Basis to terminate rights. 2) New guardian stable,healthy.3)Adoption not possible.4)In best interes

TPR. Complete sever relationship b/t parent/child. Both parents at once. Req. Proof: Grounds exist to term. Termination in best interest

abandonment, life threatening abuse, Torture/Sexual Abuse

Become legal parent of child not bio-parent of. Requires petition, home study, and hearing.