When parents split up, one of the most important questions is to define what the future will look like. guard of the children. There are three main types of custody in Brazil: unilateral, shared and alternate custody. Each has specific characteristics and it is important to understand their particularities in order to make the best decision for the family.
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Unilateral Guardianship
Unilateral custody is an arrangement where only one parent has responsibility for the child's daily and important decisions. Many people think that it is a "punishment" for the parent who doesn't keep the child, but this view is mistaken.
The parent who doesn't have custody doesn't become a "visitor" - they remain a parent with the right to live together, participate in their child's life and have the obligation to pay maintenance. The difference is that the custodial parent decides on school, medical treatments, trips and other day-to-day issues, always prioritizing the child's well-being.
This modality is indicated when there are conflicts between the parents that make it difficult to make joint decisions, when one of the parents lives in a different city, or when there are situations that could harm the child's well-being.
Shared custody
Shared custody is surrounded by myths, the main one being the idea that it means sharing time half and half. In fact, shared custody means that both parents participate in important decisions about their child's life: education, health, extracurricular activities and other relevant issues.
Cohabitation time is defined separately, taking into account the best interests of the child. There is no fixed 50% rule for each parent. The important thing is that both parents take an active part in their children's lives, making joint decisions on important issues.
In practice, even if the child spends more time with one parent, the other remains involved in decisions about school, medical treatment and other relevant issues. Neither parent can make important decisions alone.
Alternate Guard
Alternate custody is often confused with shared custody, but they are very different modalities. In alternating custody, the child spends specific periods with each parent - it can be weeks, months or even years. During this time, whoever is with the child has full responsibility for them.
It's as if custody "alternates" between the parents. While it's with the mother, she decides everything about routine, school and health. When it goes to the father, he takes over these responsibilities completely. There are no joint decisions as in shared custody.
This model works well when the parents live in different cities or when there are many conflicts that prevent the constant collaboration required in shared custody.
Main Differences
Decision-making: In the unilateral system, only one parent decides; in the shared system, both parents decide together; in the alternating system, each parent decides during their period.
Living Together Time: In the unilateral case, there is regulated visitation; in the shared case, the time is defined according to the best interests of the child; in the alternating case, there are specific periods with each parent.
Responsibility: in the unilateral case, concentrated on the guardian; in the shared case, divided equally; in the alternating case, alternated according to the period.
The most important thing to remember is that all arrangements aim to guarantee the best interests of the child, maintaining healthy bonds with both parents. The choice of modality must take into account the family dynamic, the child's age, the distance between the homes and the parents' ability to talk to each other.
