Assumption: "Residence means who the child lives with — so if I do not have residence, I have no say."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Residence determines who has parental authority. If the child lives mainly with one parent, the other parent loses their say in decisions.
Court Reality
Residence describes where a child lives daily; it does not dictate parental responsibility or decision-making rights. Typically, both parents can maintain parental responsibility, regardless of the child's primary residence. The non-resident parent often retains legal rights and may still participate in significant decisions regarding the child's welfare.
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The Gap?
"Residence means who the child lives with — so if I do not have residence, I have no say."
Court Reality
Residence describes where a child lives daily; it does not dictate parental responsibility or decision-making rights. Typically, both parents can maintain parental responsibility, regardless of the child's primary residence. The non-resident parent often retains legal rights and may still participate in significant decisions regarding the child's welfare.
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