What is a primary caretaker?

By |2022-04-01T13:10:48+00:0005 Dec 2018|Categories: Child Custody|

WHAT IS A PRIMARY CARETAKER?

When determining who gets custody of the children, the role of the primary caretaker may factor in. Sometimes, this person gets preference over the other parent, seeing as how they have been more involved with the children before the divorce. While both parents often do still get access to the children, the court understands that it may be in the children’s best interests to still get the same level of care they have grown accustomed to.

For instance, one parent may generally stay home and care for the kids directly, while the other travels for work. That second parent would likely need to hire a nanny or give the kids to a family member, and he or she may not be able to provide the same care even when spending time with the kids just due to a lack of experience.

Things that the primary caretaker may do include:

  • Planning activities
  • Going on trips
  • Participating in events, games and other leisure activities
  • Helping the child with schoolwork
  • Assisting with dressing, grooming and bathing
  • Making meals for the child
  • Taking the child to the doctor
  • Washing clothes
  • Buying necessary items
  • Helping the child develop basic skills, like reading and writing
  • Meeting with teachers
  • Going to sporting events and other activities that the child participates in

Essentially, the primary caretaker takes on a more active role in the child’s development. This does not mean that the other parent should not see the child, but it may mean they get more time with the primary caretaker to allow this relationship to continue. As you head to court, make sure you understand what rights and options you have.

About the Author:

Dorie Anne Rogers - The Law Offices of Dorie A. Rogers, APC
Dorie A. Rogers, a Family Law Specialist, Certified by the State Bar of California, has been an attorney since 1981 with an exclusive family law practice located in Orange County. She is accepting dissolution cases with support and property issues including the use of forensics to ascertain business value, community interests and to establish monthly case flow analysis. Ms. Rogers has substantial experience in high conflict custody litigation involving sophisticated psychological issues. She drafts premarital and postmarital agreement designed to define and establish parties' separate and community property interests. Paternity cases and domestic violence matters are considered part of her practice. Ms. Rogers is a court-approved and court-appointed to represent minor children.Ms. Rogers consults with individuals concerned about entering or exiting a relationship. She advises effective strategies for dissolution or premarital planning. Knowledge is power and good planning affords better results.Specialties: Family Law Specialist, Certified by the State Bar of California
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