Custody is often handled as a matter incidental to divorce, which as stated before bears repeating here, is one of the most complicated and important decisions you will ever make due to the fact that such choices will have long and lasting effects for all parties, their children, their families, and, sometimes even, their friends. Custody can also impact unmarried people who have a child together and others who may be stepping into the role vacated by the parent(s) for various reasons. Depending on your personal circumstances, it will be necessary to make certain key decisions regarding child custody, visitation, child support and how the minor child is raised. Louisiana law allows and the courts encourage parents to make these decisions together and with the guidance of their attorneys, subject to the court’s final approval.