Legal Custody rights Question?

Question

Does anyone know ( or where I can find a answer) in the state of Virginia if you have shared legal rights to a minor child , do you have to know before he/she is prescribed medication ( In this case Ritalin to a 6 year old) ? Do you have to be notified, or consent? Due to possible background health information of the other parent? PLEASE HELP

Answer 1

I'm not sure about VA, but in the state of Missouri, if you share joint legal custody, then all medical appts, prescriptions, outcome of appts. ect... have to be discussed with the non-custodial parent. If not, the custodial parent could be in contempt of court.

Answer 2

I am not a resident of VA, but I know what it is like to have joint custody---12 years of battles--The parent with major physical custody's consent is all that it usually takes--NY--Of course, such a major decision should involve both parents, but, unfortunately, when ex's don't get along, respect is out the door.
My advice is to CALMLY approach your ex regarding the medication and the reasoning behind it.
If the separation and divorce is new, the child could be acting out because of the change in his/her life and the anger he/she has.
I can imagine how furious you are, but this actually may be a way to learn how to communicate and deal with your ex on behalf of your child.
Always remember that the outcome is what is best for the child, not revenge or to prove you are right.
Keep your ego at the door and your Child's best interest as your focus--GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

The answer is that the best interests of the child apply.

You and the other parent need to establish comprehensive ground rules about everything in your child's life and modify these ground rules as circumstances warrant. The courts would rather see mutual agreements incorporated but not merged into custody agreements rather than vague and unenforcable provisions. There is no law obligating a custodial parent to disclose information to a non-custodial parent.