Divorce is always messy, whether you’ve parted ways amicably or contentiously. But as you go separate ways, you need to remember that your child’s welfare should never be ignored. And when you cannot agree with your partner, you’ll need a family law attorney in Langley to create a parenting plan.
Parents usually file for child custody and divorce in one petition. This reduces paperwork and saves time by keeping the case in one court. This article focuses on how to win a child custody case and how to co-parent peacefully.
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Win Your Child Custody Case
Win the battle to obtain child custody through the following tips.
Understand Laws
Navigating the intricacies of child custody can take a toll on you. These laws prioritize your child’s well-being while serving parents their rights. Besides, custody regulations are different in various states. Familiarizing yourself with these laws can help you approach custody decisions with clarity and confidence.
Understand the Types of Custody
Child custody agreements are tailored to suit each case. Court and parents can choose the type of custody based on the child’s best interest. Understanding different types of child custody will help you know which is the best decision to take.
Legal Custody
In this custody, the court grants you the right to make critical decisions concerning your children. These decisions include:
- Medical care and treatment
- Schools
- Discipline
- Vacations
- Religious education
In a situation where parents have joint custody, you cannot intentionally exclude the other parent from making a decision. If this happens, it can result in contempt of court.
Joint vs. Sole Custody
This is the most common custody arrangement. You can live with your child, but the other parent still has free access to the child. Both parents may have equal physical custody, meaning the child spends equal time with both parents. Joint custody is also known to have the best interest of the child.
On the other hand, sole custody is an arrangement where you or the other parent has physical and legal custody of the child. Once you have sole custody, the other parent has visitation rights. Typically, sole custody is granted if the judge concludes that the other parent is unfit for parenting.
Physical Custody
A judge grants you physical custody if you’re the one primarily living with your minor children. In most situations, one parent gets awarded physical custody while the non-custodial partner has visitation rights.
Parents with visitation rights can spend summer vacations or holidays with their children. But if you cannot agree, the court steps in to choose the right person to get physical custody.
Today, state laws and courts are increasingly favoring joint parenting arrangements. More parenting time plans are drafted to ensure kids spend overnights with their non-custodial parents. A court may also order an equal parent-time plan where both partners have shown great care for the child.
Choose an Experienced Family Law Attorney
Child custody cases are sensitive, and you are an experienced lawyer who sees things through a different lens without being emotive or biased. A reliable attorney should be competent and experienced in handling cases similar to yours. Sense their potential and get to know their strategy.
It’s also important to have an attorney with a good attitude. They should show empathy and understanding during your conversations. A good lawyer is willing to explore various avenues that could help you solve your case amicably. That means they could take time to analyze your case and explain legal concepts to you.
Communication is key when it comes to a custody advocate. You need someone with impeccable communication skills who understands and explains legal documents flawlessly. This ensures that no detail is overlooked during the process.
Co-Parenting Tips
Now that your custody case is determined, the next step is figuring out how to raise the child. Your presence in your child’s life should be non-negotiable whether you have legal or physical custody.
Set anger and hurt aside.
Divorcing your partner is never easy. It can leave you heartbroken and resentful. However, these emotions can hinder you from being the parent your child wants. So, set your feelings aside and work cooperatively with your ex-spouse. Being angry and hurt is okay, but don’t let your emotions dictate your behavior.
Friends, loving pets, or therapists can make a huge difference. Exercising can also do wonders by being an excellent outlet to let off steam. You might never completely lose your bitterness or resentment, but stay kid-focused.
Stay as a Team
It’s okay to expose your children to different perspectives. However, they must live under the same expectations in every home. If you shoot geniality, teamwork, and consistency, it becomes easier to follow a parenting plan.
Try to follow a similar discipline system where children know the consequences of broken rules. For example, if your children have lost screen privileges at home, the same rules should be followed in your ex’s house.
Being honest and open about important issues is vital to your child’s well-being. Ensure you let the school know about your child’s current living situation. Discuss extra-curricular activities and class schedules with your ex-spouse.
Communicate about maintaining two households by setting a realistic budget. As your co-parent, you’re bound to disagree, but ensure you reach a consensus. More so, don’t sweat the small stuff. Be flexible, considerate, emphatic, and respectful.
Communicate
Effective communication is a cornerstone for smooth co-parenting. Although sometimes it may seem impossible, it’s not entirely undoable. Think about communication in terms of your child’s well-being. Your child is the focal point here, so whatever it takes to meet their needs should be your priority.
Be a good listener, and you’ll become a good communicator. It’s respectful to show your partner that you understand their viewpoint, even if you don’t approve of it.
Wrapping Up
Winning your child custody case is one thing, and co-parenting is another. Cooperate with your ex-spouse for the sake of your child’s well-being. Set your differences aside, communicate respectfully, and keep each other updated. How you handle parenting will have a significant impact on your child.