An order of custody gives responsibility for the care, control and maintenance of a child to one or both of the child's parents or to another party.  Any person who has an interest in a child's well-being and has some connection or relationship with the child may file a petition asking the court to place the child in his or her custody.

If the parties agree about custody of the child, the judge may take testimony from both parties and enter an order of custody on consent, without the need for a formal hearing.  If the parties cannot reach an agreement about custody, the court will hold a hearing, taking testimony from both sides, and may appoint an attorney to represent the child.  After considering the evidence presented, the court will award custody based upon what is in the child's best interest.  An order of visitation gives a parent the right to visit with a child at specific time periods.

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