What is the Difference Between Child Custody and Care and Control?

Child custody is sometimes one of the most argumentative subjects in a divorce. A "child" is defined in the Women's Charter as a child of a marriage who is under 21 years of age.

 

The main statute directing child custody in Singapore is the Guardianship of Infants Act, which the Women's Charter complements, and the Administration of Muslim Law Act. The law of custody applies to every individual in Singapore, regardless of whether one is Muslim or non-Muslim. Hiring a divorce lawyer from a reputable Singapore law firm will be helpful as he or she will guide you through all Singapore laws.

 Differences Between Child Custody and Care and Control

Child custody should be separated from the care and control of the child. Child custody gives the custodial parent(s) authority in making significant choices regarding their child. Some of these decisions include matters concerning education, religion, and the healthcare of the child.

 

Whereas care and control are only given to one parent, who will be involved in the child's education and make the right decisions for him/her. The other parent not given care and control will be granted access to the child for particular periods.

 

Types of Child Custody Orders

There are four types of the child custody order.

 

1.     Sole custody order

In the sole custody order, the child's parent custody will be the sole decision-maker for significant children's decisions.

 

This order is usually given where the couple's relationship has worsened to such an extent that they are very abusive towards each other, and communication has broken down irretrievably.

 

Avenues for agreement, such as counseling and mediation, have been exhausted and unsuccessful. Seeking help from a reputable divorce lawyer in Singapore from a law firm can guide you on the sole custody order procedure.

 

2.     Joint custody order

Under this order, both parents are the decision-makers for significant decisions concerning the child. Hence, both parents should communicate with one another and reach consent when making important decisions. It gives them an equal say in the upbringing of the child.

 

Frequently, the Singapore courts are giving more joint custody orders than sole custody ones. This is because the court knows that both parents' presence in their child's life is crucial to his/her development.

 

3.     Split custody order

Under this order, custody of one or more siblings is given to one parent, while custody of the other siblings is given to the other parent. This order is unique as the court would usually allow siblings to stay together to provide emotional support for each other.

 

When a custody or care and control order is in force, no person, except the parent with care and control, can take the child who is the subject of the order out of the country.

 

4.     Hybrid order

In hybrid order, one parent will be given custody over the child. However, the custodial parent must ask the non-custodial parent about things concerning the welfare of the child.

 

Conclusion

After access orders are given down, some parents face being refused access to the child.

You can hire an experienced divorce lawyer in Singapore from a reputable law firm who will help you guide you throughout the child's custody and care and control.

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