If you and your spouse have decided to get a divorce, it can be a tremendously tumultuous time, especially if you have children. Financial, social, psychological, and practical considerations are likely weighing heavily on your brain. But if you follow these top 3 tips for working through a child custody agreement, you’ll definitely increase the likelihood of reaching a fair child custody agreement with your ex.
#1: Stay out of court as much as possible
This tip will save you boatloads of time and money. If you and your ex can find a way to make decisions for your child’s best interests, including custody, you will avoid lots of future headaches. If you aren’t able to resolve your disagreements on your own, attend mediation. At Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell we will gladly provide excellent mediation services to you to resolve child custody issues, child support disagreements, alimony arguments, and any other troublesome issues that arise while finalizing your divorce.
The advantages of settling your disagreements outside of court are striking. You won’t have to pay court and legal fees or spend lots of time attending court appearances. Plus if you do decide to go to court, the judge will likely refer you to mediation outside of court anyhow. However, if you end up letting a judge decide your child custody disagreements for you, he or she will do their best to make the best decision, but the judge doesn’t intimately know you, your child, or your ex. He or she will be making an educated guess on what’s best for your family—which is definitely not ideal. Try to put your differences aside and work out a child custody agreement on your own—it’s definitely worth the effort!
#2: Keep the child’s best interests at heart at all times.
Emotions can go haywire during a divorce. You’re only human, right? You and your ex probably have very strong opinions about what’s best for your family going forward, and you might disagree on some aspects of the divorce settlement. As much as you possibly can, put these opinions in the background of your mind when you’re trying to make a decision. Only focus on what’s best for the child—not on what’s best for you. Ultimately, you always want the ideal outcome for your son or daughter, no matter how it affects you and your life.
#3: Hire an excellent attorney
Getting an attorney who you can trust to help you reach a great child custody agreement is absolutely indispensable. At Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, our sole focus is on protecting and preserving the welfare of California’s most precious assets—its children. Call to schedule an in-person consultation with one of our attorneys today. You can learn about our practice, ask questions about your case, and receive excellent legal advice right away.
Call 909-482-1422 or email info@parents4children.com to make an appointment now.
