With divorce rates at an all-time high, many people find themselves at odds with their spouses regarding their children. Parents often argue about who gets custody, when to visit, and how much child support to pay. It’s a topic that’s on many people’s minds as it tends to affect family members of the concerned parties as well.
But, when there are Denver Custody Attorneys or similar lawyers working on your behalf, you’re likely to have more control and ensure that your children’s best interests are protected. There are a variety of issues that can arise during a divorce, so read on to learn about some of child custody’s dos and don’ts.
The Dos of Child Custody
Stay active with your children’s education
When parents divorce, it’s common that the child or children will split their time between the two households. Children may be living with one parent full time, another full time and alternating weekends, or with one parent on weekends and the other parent full time during the week. Regardless of the custody arrangements, both parents should be doing their part to help the child maintain their education and stay active and engaged in the learning process.
Staying on top of your child’s education when you have joint custody can be challenging. For parents with shared custody, there are key considerations to keep in mind to ensure their child’s education does not suffer.
Get your kids counseling
Divorce and separation can be stressful and traumatic processes for any family. When you are divorcing or facing the end of one marriage, it may become even more stressful if children are involved. One parent may believe the other parent is unfit to take care of the children and go through the courts to secure sole custody. However, when determining custody, the court will not restrict a parent from seeking counseling services to help the relationship between the parents.
Researchers have found that counseling can help children deal with painful emotions, as well as help them resolve conflict in healthy ways.
Prioritize the Financial and emotional needs of a child
Children have needs that are different than adults. Their needs come from their own individual experiences and developmental stages. Children this age struggle with safety, trust, and autonomy issues. Meeting the needs of a child of a divorce can be confusing, especially when emotions run high. The best way to meet their needs is to prioritize their financial and emotional needs.
Be a responsible parent
Most parents want what is best for their children, but sometimes even the best intentions go awry. If the parents are having trouble getting along or disagree on handling a situation, it could lead to the court taking the child from the parent who is not meeting the child’s needs. To prevent it, couples must try to be on the same page when it comes to their kids and resolve disputes with the help of a mediator or a family lawyer so that they don’t go out of control. When a parent is not meeting a child’s basic needs, the court is required to take custody of the child away from the parent who is unable or neglectful.
The Don’ts of Child Custody
Don’t say hurtful words to your ex in front of your children
Your relationship with your ex is personal and private-and should remain that way. While you may share custody of your child or kids, you don’t have the right to shame your ex in front of them. That means no snide comments and no cruel warnings.
During a divorce, dating is not a good idea
Divorce is a stressful, complicated process, especially during divorce and custody battles. It takes a lot of emotional strength to move forward, and it’s even harder to do when a child is involved. You may find yourself in a difficult position regarding dating during divorce, especially if it’s a child-custody battle. During a divorce, dating is not a good idea for child custody. If you’re thinking about dating, it can jeopardize your custody situation and can have a huge impact on the case.
Avoid using social media
Social media has changed how we communicate, but it also has the power to impact your child custody case. Sharing personal information on social media can negatively impact your case, so knowing what can and can’t be posted is important.
While your child custody case is ongoing, DON’T go to bars or nightclubs
While your child custody case is pending, don’t frequent bars or nightclubs until the proceedings are finalized. You may be tempted to go out with your friends after your first court date, but avoid these places. You do not want on your record any evidence of drinking or intoxication. Also, keep in mind that the judge will factor your behavior into their decision.
If your spouse is present, or friends of your spouse are, don’t drink. Your lawyer will take this into account and bring it up in court. When judges hear something like this, they see it as a sign of indiscretion.
