Many Arizona residents understand that child custody disputes can be extremely stressful and can generate highly emotional reactions from parents. Tragically, at times, these emotions are not kept in check and incidents of domestic violence can arise.
It appears that one such incident recently occurred in Amarillo, Texas. A man was shot by a woman during an argument that the two were having regarding child custody. According to the Amarillo Police Department, the man suffered a gunshot wound to his arm. Although he was taken to the hospital for treatment the injuries he suffered apparently were not critical.
In any child custody dispute, it is always in the best interests of the child for both parents to do everything in their power to reach an amicable agreement regarding child custody. Joint custody is a common type of arrangement for Arizona families. Under this arrangement, both parents have an equal say in the major decisions of their children’s lives in the areas of their education, religion and healthcare among other important decisions.
A joint custody parenting plan should address issues such as where the child’s primary residence will be, when he or she will live with the other parent and visitation rights. There are many different options Arizona families to consider. Visitation schedules can be designed specifically to meet the needs of all of the individual family members affected by the divorce or separation.
The other common arrangement is sole custody. Under a sole custody arrangement, one parent is allowed to make all of the decisions that affect the child by himself or herself.
Source: Amarillo Globe-News, “Police: Man shot during child custody dispute,” Matthew Hutchison, Oct. 18, 2012