Who Decides Whether a Child Gets Vaccinated after a Mississippi Divorce?

The Covid-19 vaccination is a major talking point across the United States, and Mississippi is no exception. Without going into the debate over whether or not vaccines are a good idea, it’s fair to say that people have very strong opinions about this subject. Some parents may want their children to receive the vaccine, while others may be strongly against the idea. So what happens if two divorced parents in Mississippi can’t decide on whether their child is vaccinated?

If this issue seems like it can’t be resolved through discussion and compromise with your spouse, you may need assistance from a legal professional. The best person to consult on this matter is a qualified, experienced family law attorney in Mississippi. These individuals understand the ins and outs of child custody laws in the Magnolia State, and they can help you move forward in an efficient, confident manner.

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody

It’s important to understand that legal custody and physical custody are two very different things. Even though your spouse might have been granted primary physical custody (meaning the child lives mostly with them), this doesn’t necessarily mean that they have the freedom to make major decisions about the child’s healthcare without consulting you first.

In fact, the common arrangement in New Jersey is to grant both parents shared legal custody. Legal custody involves the ability of the parent to make major decisions about the child’s life. These decisions may involve healthcare, education, religion, and other matters. If parents are granted shared legal custody, it means that each has an equal say when it comes to these major decisions.

What if Parents Cannot Agree?

If both parents cannot agree on a major healthcare decision like whether or not their child should get vaccinated, they may need to head back to court. One parent may petition for the modification of child custody, and the judge will hear the case. As with all matters related to child custody, the judge will base their final decision on the child’s best interests.

Note that the final decision may be a “one-time deal.” In other words, the shared legal custody is only compromised for this single decision, and the spouses still have to mutually agree upon all future major decisions that affect the child. In other situations, the judge may grant sole legal custody to one parent. In order to make matters more convenient and to avoid future disputes, a judge can even modify the child custody arrangement so that one parent has control over all future healthcare decisions. In this situation, all other major decisions would still be shared.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’ve been searching the Jackson area for a qualified, experienced family law attorney, look no further than Ballard Law, PLLC. We have considerable experience with a wide range of child custody cases, and we understand the modern concerns and disputes parents might have over matters related to the Covid-19 vaccine. Rest assured that these matters can be resolved with the right strategy. Book your consultation today, and we can help you strive towards a positive legal outcome in an effective manner.

Ballard Law, PLLC

108 S President St.
Jackson, MS 39201
(769) 572-5111