While children have the least to do with the decision to divorce, they are often the ones most affected. When battling with the other parent over child custody, visitation, and support matters, it is important to remember that both parents love the child, want what is best for them, and the child will benefit from a healthy and involved relationship with both of their parents.
Ways to Make Determining Custody Easier
When battling over the children, it can be easy to lose focus. However, there are some tools available that can keep the best interests of the child in mind and create a plan that will benefit both them and their children.
The first thing parents should focus on in a custody dispute is coming to agreement on aspects of a child's life. This can be as simple as choosing what school the child should attend, where their primary doctor will be located, or what extracurricular activities they will participate in. By starting with common ground, both parents can begin to build the ideal custody arrangement.
The next step may be to consult with experts on child custody, which may be a child custody evaluator, parenting coordinator, or a child custody mediator:
- A child custody evaluator will interview children and their parents to identify issues that may be a problem to the children. This person can be used a neutral advisor in deciding what the best action to take with the children may be.
- A parenting coordinator will work with parents to determine daily scheduling for the children and what small details can be used to minimize conflict.
- A child custody mediator will be an attorney that will work the parents and their lawyers to create a custody agreement that is in the best interest of the children involved.
In child custody cases, each person wants what is best for their children. Sometimes this can best be determined with outside help that can provide a neutral look at the entire scenario and develop a plan that is in the best interests of all. Do not be afraid to seek this advice!
