By Seo Management
•
August 6, 2024
Who is going to take care of the kids after the divorce? How will visitation with the other parent be done? When divorcing, there is a lot to consider, and a lot of the contention comes down to the children. It can be hard to separate and think about the kids living at each house part-time instead of being with both parents every day. It also doesn’t help that the laws for custody can be confusing. Talking with a lawyer can help clarify custody issues and enable parents to learn more about what to expect from their situation. Types of Custody Arrangements There are various potential custody arrangements that parents must consider. Custody covers the physical custody, such as where the child lives each day. It also covers legal custody, which covers who is able to make educational, medical, religious, and other decisions. Parents who want to make sure they get as much parenting time as possible will want to work with a divorce attorney in Cullman, AL . Joint or 50/50 Custody Arrangements The most common custody arrangement is shared custody, where both parents can make legal decisions for the child and the child splits their time between both households. The amount of time the child spends at each house will vary by the specifics of the case. In some cases, one parent can override the other when it comes to legal decisions. What are the disadvantages of 50/50 custody? Shared custody works in many cases, but it can have negative impacts on the child, especially at the beginning when they are getting used to living in two different households. There also can be issues with differing rules based on which house the child is at, issues with exchanges, and more. Sole Custody Arrangements Sole custody arrangements are where one parent has physical and legal custody of the child. The other parent may have supervised or unsupervised visitation, but the child doesn’t live with them. The parent with legal custody is able to make all decisions for the child, such as what school they attend, what religion they are brought up with, and more. What are the disadvantages of sole custody? Disadvantages can include a strained relationship with the other parent, the child having issues with not being able to see the other parent as much, issues with exchanges during visitation, and more. It is important for parents to understand and mitigate these disadvantages as much as possible. What Do the Courts Consider? While shared custody is the most common type, it does need to be considered on a case-to-case basis, as it is not a good fit for all situations. Courts will consider a number of things when determining custody, including the following. The needs of the child The home environment for both parents Stability of both parents Safety of the child Ability to provide for the needs of the child Relationship between the child and each parent The disruption caused by changes after the divorce The child’s preferences if they are old enough Any potential issues that can arise Modifications for Custody Custody is legally binding once the courts have approved or set it, but that doesn’t mean that changes are impossible. It is possible, and often necessary, to change the custody arrangement after some time has passed. There are numerous reasons why custody arrangements can be changed, including the following. Child’s Needs Change The child may need to live more with another parent to get into a special school or may be better living with the other parent due to behavioral issues that appear after the divorce. Parenting Ability Changes One parent may go through life changes or medical issues and not be able to parent the way they did previously. This could mean it would be better for the child to live with the other parent more. Changes in a Parent’s Living Situation If a parent moves out of state, it may be better for the child to stay with the parent who isn’t moving so they can still live in the same place, attend the same school, and be close to their friends. Tips for Co-Parenting After the Divorce Co-parenting can be hard, especially in the beginning, but it can become easier over time. The main goal should be to focus on the child and their needs, not on the end of the relationship or any anger over the situation. Focus on the Child, Not the Feelings While there may be a lot of feelings toward the divorce and new living arrangements, it’s best not to discuss these with the child or use them as a way to vent. Instead, focus on the child and talk to someone else, whether that’s a friend, family member, or therapist, about the divorce. Work on Improving Communication Take the time to learn more about improving communication in a divorce. This may mean using written communication methods like text to avoid forgetting anything or a shared calendar to help everyone stay on the same page. Learn How to Make Decisions Together The parents must learn how to make decisions for the child together unless one parent has full legal custody. Even with full legal custody, though, it is a good idea to take into account the other parent’s desires for major decisions. Make Transitions Easier for the Child Parents should do as much as possible to make any transitions easier for the child. This includes the initial divorce as well as when they transition from one household to another. Let the Child Know What to Expect It is a good idea to let the child know what to expect going forward so everything is less confusing. This can mean talking to them about when they’ll see the other parent, how holidays are handled, and more. Co-parenting and determining custody are complex and many factors can vary from situation to situation. For parents getting divorced and worried about custody, it is important to speak with a lawyer to learn more about local laws and the impact they can have on the case. Schedule a consultation today to work with a lawyer to help find the right custody arrangement for your situation.