No one sets out to make their children’s lives more difficult when they divorce, yet it happens more often than it doesn’t. If you and your spouse agree on every aspect of your custody agreement then the process will be a breeze. For the rest of divorcing couples – which is most of them – here are seven tips that can help you get through a custody dispute without losing your cool.
- Try not to think too much about percentages
- Be willing to compromise
- Take your child’s needs into consideration
- If you want your spouse to be flexible then be flexible
- The parenting plan doesn’t have to be complicated
- Do your best to communicate well
- Remember that changes will be part of your future
One of the biggest mistakes parents can do is to insist on 50% custody without thinking about what that really means. For example, if you do have your child 50% of the time, but that time is all on the weekdays when you work, then you’ll actually have less quality time than if you’d accepted a lower percentage that included weekend time.
When you work with Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell for your divorce settlement, you can count on us to work diligently for your best interests. That said, it’s likely you’re going to have to compromise. Remember that this isn’t about getting everything you want no matter the cost. Be open minded. Remember that your real goal is to do what’s best for your child.
When you’re coming up with a custody agreement, remember that it’s not just about what works for you and your spouse. If your child has extracurricular activities or other social obligations, remember that these are important to them. Try to find a parenting plan that allows your child to keep up with what they’re doing now.
There may come a time when you need your spouse to be flexible. When they have a situation arise and need you to be flexible, remember that you would want them to be flexible if the situation were reversed. If necessary, work the requirements of that flexibility into the agreement.
Remember that you can always go back to court in a few years to change your custody agreement if necessary. Don’t get caught up in creating a complicated parenting plan that considers every possible situation that could arise.
Poor communication is one of the biggest issues that parents run into as they’re trying to co-parent while living apart. The truth is that it can be hard to do when so many emotions are happening for you both. The best way to communicate may be through your attorneys or via email. Whatever your method of communicating is, do your best to be civil.
Everything will change. What works for your family today won’t work ten years from now. As your child ages, their needs are going to change. Work with a family law attorney who can help you build a plan that can be easily modified as time goes on. Reach out to Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell at 909-482-1422 today for your consultation.
