| Parents in Arkansas who are involved in a custody | | | | are making a plan, they should the child frequent and |
| situation should learn the laws about custody that will | | | | continuing contact with both parents. Because of this, |
| affect them. These laws are found in Title 9 of the | | | | the court may award a joint custody agreement when |
| Arkansas Family Code. Knowing these laws can be a | | | | making an order for custody. This also means that |
| great asset to parents, especially as they create a | | | | when the court is making an order, it is more likely to |
| custody agreement and parenting plan. Following the | | | | award custody to the parent that encourages the child |
| laws when creating the plan can help a mother make | | | | to have contact with the other parent. |
| the best possible plan for the child, help them work out | | | | In Sections 102 and 103, the law makes provisions for |
| the proper components, and get the plan accepted by | | | | other family members to stay involved in a child's life |
| the court. Here is a highlight of some of the laws that | | | | after the parents separate. Grandparents and siblings |
| affect the agreement. | | | | can be granted visitation rights to the child. This will |
| Chapter 13 Section 101 in Title 9 contains the laws | | | | happen if there is a close family member to the child, |
| about how the state awards custody. This is an | | | | and it is in the child's best interest to continue a |
| important part of the parenting plan. The state gives no | | | | relationship with the person. Parents should consider |
| preference because of gender when awarding | | | | this as they make their parenting plan. They should |
| custody. This means that the father and mother have | | | | make a plan that allows for the child to see and visit |
| an equal chance of getting custody of the children, | | | | with other family members. |
| providing that they are both capable custodial parents. | | | | Once the court has made a custody order of the |
| The standard for granting custody is what is best for | | | | agreement, it is a legal document. The state takes |
| the child. If the parents can work this out before going | | | | custody orders very seriously, and there are |
| to court, the judge will respect their wishes. The | | | | consequences for the parent who disregards them. If |
| mother and father figure out the custody arrangement | | | | parent wants to make a change to the plan, they |
| that fulfills the needs of the child and put that in the | | | | should file a motion with the court and present the |
| agreement. | | | | modification. The modification will be judged according |
| This section also contains a statute that when parents | | | | to how it benefits the child. |