Frequently Asked Questions

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 Legal custody has to do with a parent's rights and responsibilities to make major decisions concerning the child, including the child's health care, education, extracurricular activities and religious training. Physical custody has to do with where the child is physically living. 

In many cases, collaboration between you, Custody Shepherd and your attorneys is the best options for a successful outcome. Custody Shepherd consultants are not attorneys, and do not provide legal advice, but their expertise navigating a complex process and landscape helps put you on a successful path. 

 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions. Individuals with BPD often exhibit the following personality traits:

1. Fear of Abandonment: A pervasive fear of abandonment, whether real or perceived, can lead to desperate efforts to avoid it, even if it means maintaining unhealthy relationships.
2. Intense and Unstable Relationships: Individuals with BPD may experience intense, tumultuous relationships marked by extremes of idealization and devaluation. They may rapidly shift between seeing others as all good or all bad.
3. Explosive Anger: Intense and inappropriate anger, often triggered by perceived abandonment or rejection, is a common trait. The expression of anger can be disproportional to the situation.
4. Intense and Rapidly Shifting Emotions: Emotional instability is a key feature, leading to rapid and intense mood swings. Episodes of anger, anxiety, and depression can be triggered by seemingly minor events.
5. Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: People with BPD may frequently experience a pervasive sense of emptiness and boredom, leading to a search for external stimuli or constant changes to fill the void.
6. Distorted Self-Image: A distorted or unstable self-image is common, leading to feelings of emptiness and a lack of clear identity. Individuals with BPD may struggle with self-identity and may adopt different personas in different situations.
7. Impulsivity: Impulsive behaviors in areas such as spending, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating, or self-harming are common. These actions are often a response to emotional distress.
8. Suicidal Behavior or Self-Harm: Individuals with BPD may engage in self-harming behaviors, and suicidal ideation or attempts are more prevalent among those with this disorder.

It's important to note that not everyone with BPD will exhibit all of these traits, and the severity can vary widely. Diagnosing and treating BPD typically involves professional mental health assessment and intervention. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is recommended.

Sociopathy is commonly associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). Individuals with sociopathic tendencies or ASPD may exhibit the following personality traits:

1. Lack of Empathy: A notable characteristic is a persistent inability to empathize with the feelings and needs of others. This lack of empathy can extend to a disregard for the rights and well-being of others.
2. Manipulative Behavior: Sociopaths often use charm and manipulation to exploit others for personal gain. They may be adept at deceiving and manipulating people to achieve their goals.
3. Impulsivity: Impulsive behavior is common, characterized by a tendency to act on whims without consideration of potential consequences. This may include recklessness, irresponsibility, and a lack of long-term planning.
4. Superficial Charm: Sociopaths can be charming and charismatic, often presenting a facade of normalcy and affability. This charm may mask their true intentions and behaviors.
5. Deceitfulness: Habitual lying and deceit are typical traits. Sociopaths may fabricate stories, manipulate information, and engage in dishonesty without remorse.
6. Aggressiveness and Irritability: A tendency toward irritability, aggression, and hostility may be present. This can manifest as physical violence or verbal aggression.
7. Violation of Social Norms: Persistent disregard for societal rules and norms is a defining characteristic. This may involve engaging in criminal activities, violating the rights of others, and a general lack of respect for authority.
8. Irresponsibility: A consistent pattern of irresponsibility in various areas of life, such as work, financial obligations, and relationships, is often observed.
9. Lack of Remorse: Sociopaths typically display a lack of remorse or guilt for their harmful actions. They may rationalize their behavior or show indifference to the suffering of others.

It's important to note that the term "sociopath" is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis, but traits associated with sociopathy are often included in the criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder. Diagnosing and treating individuals with these traits requires professional assessment by mental health professionals. Additionally, it's crucial to approach mental health topics with sensitivity, as labels should be applied by qualified clinicians and not used casually to describe others.

 Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with narcissistic traits may exhibit the following personality characteristics:

1. Grandiosity: A grandiose sense of self-importance is a hallmark trait. Narcissists often exaggerate their achievements, talents, and abilities, expecting to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements.
2. Need for Admiration: Individuals with narcissistic traits have an excessive need for admiration and validation from others. They seek constant approval and may become preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty, or ideal love.
3. Lack of Empathy: A pervasive lack of empathy and an inability to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others. Narcissists may disregard the feelings of others and show little concern for their well-being.
4. Sense of Entitlement: Narcissists often have an unreasonable expectation of favorable treatment or automatic compliance with their expectations. They may believe they are inherently deserving of special privileges.
5. Exploitative Behavior: A tendency to exploit others for personal gain is common. Narcissists may take advantage of others without guilt or remorse, using them to achieve their own goals.
6. Envy and Belief Others Are Envious: Narcissists may harbor envy toward others and, in turn, believe that others are envious of them. This contributes to a sense of rivalry and a need to outshine others.
7. Arrogance and Haughtiness: A haughty or arrogant demeanor is often displayed. Narcissists may exhibit a condescending attitude and a belief that they are special or unique.
8. Preoccupation with Fantasies of Success, Power, or Beauty: Narcissists may engage in fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. These fantasies serve as a way to cope with feelings of inadequacy.
9. Interpersonal Difficulties: Difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships are common. Narcissists may struggle with sustaining meaningful connections due to their self-centered and exploitative behaviors.

It's important to note that narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, and not all individuals who exhibit some of these characteristics necessarily have Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Diagnosis and treatment should be conducted by mental health professionals based on a thorough assessment of an individual's behavior and psychological history.