Every parent wants to have custody of their child. However, losing your child's custody does not automatically slam the door against your involvement in their life. It is a common misconception that makes many parents panic unnecessarily. Even if you lose the custody of your child, you still enjoy numerous rights under your jurisdiction's custody and visitation laws. You must work closely with a local lawyer to fully comprehend your rights, as the laws differ by state. For instance, Delaware does not use “full custody,” despite being the typical terminology among residents. Instead, the state uses “joint legal custody” or “sole legal custody.” The state uses these terms for decision-making.

For example, if you have sole legal custody, you make all the decisions concerning the child. However, it is challenging and rare for the court to award sole legal custody. Most people get joint legal custody. Where the kid lives, or physical custody, is another component of a child custody order. A parent will get the primary residence rights, while the other will have caregiver and visitation rights. Sometimes, the court awards shared residence, which permits the child to spend equal time with each parent.

Your Rights When You Lose Sole Legal Custody

“Engaging a lawyer as soon as possible is advisable to avoid missing vital deadlines in your legal battle.” says attorney Matt Towson.

You retain parental rights even after losing your sole legal custody battle to the other parent. In other words, your child is entitled to death benefits if anything happens to you. Even if you die without a will, your child can inherit via the intestate process.

As the noncustodial parent, you also have the right to some information on the custody decision. For example, you can get details about your child's healthcare and education upon request. Religious issues rarely pop up.

Hence, even if you cannot decide the school your child attends or the healthcare facility they use, you can still demand their report cards and medical details.

You can also still attend your child's events, like sports games, concerts, or school holiday parades. However, there may be other considerations when attending these events. The court usually gives one parent sole legal custody because the other parent has issues.

Steps to Take When the Other Parent Denies You of Your Rights

If your estranged partner denies you custody rights, you should file a contempt petition immediately. The petition simultaneously informs the court of the other parent's non-compliance with an existing child custody order and demands further court action. 

Alternatively, you can file a request to adjust a current court order. There was a reported case of a teenager who refused to visit her mother because the mother’s new spouse unsettled her. The mother thought her estranged partner instigated her daughter’s refusal to visit her, so she filed a contempt petition. However, the father countered the petition by filing to adjust the custody arrangement because the teenager did not want to visit her mother again. 

Fortunately, all custody orders are adjustable because the court prioritizes the child's best interests at all times. Kids' preferences change as they age, and the court must respect their wishes. They may wish to change their school, healthcare arrangements, interests, and relationship patterns. 

The Place of an Attorney

While engaging a family law attorney in a custody case is optional, it can make all the difference in your case. It is also essential to state that the court appreciates those with lawyers, even in seemingly simple cases. It makes the case organized, straightforward, and orderly. 

An exceptional local family law attorney can expertly handle every document and court filing for the kid's welfare. If necessary, they can also communicate with your ex's lawyer to see if they can convince your ex to comply with a court order. 

Conclusion

Losing custody doesn’t mean you lose your rights as a parent. You still have the right to important information about your child and to attend their events. If the other parent denies your rights, you can take legal steps to fix the situation. Having a good lawyer can help you understand the process and make sure your rights are protected.