However, just because one parent believes that the other parent is unfit doesn’t mean that the courts will see it that way. With there being so much to examine before the courts award one parent custody and the outcome possibly being what neither parent had hoped, parents should consider seeking joint custody of the child.
Before parents make the decision to engage in a heated battle over custody of the child, they should strongly consider the damage that it may do to their child in the present and the future. Children need both of their parents present in their lives and depending on what type of custody each parent is awarded, the presence of each parent may be greatly affected. For example, if one parent is awarded sole custody, the noncustodial parent may receive less time with the child and their relationship may suffer.
If parents are unable to decide on an arrangement for child custody, the decision will be left up to a judge. With the goal being to keep the child’s best interest in mind and set up an arrangement that allows them to maintain a relationship with both parents, there is a chance that parents will be awarded joint custody regardless of what they want. If that does happen, it would have been easier for both parents to have simply agreed on joint custody in the first place instead of spending time in court and letting someone else make the decision for them.
Parents who are in the midst of a custody dispute or who are unsure of what type of custody they would like to seek should speak to an attorney. If parents can agree on an arrangement that works for both of them, as well as a child, the discussion of child custody does not need to turn into a heated dispute. An attorney at the Law Office of Michael D. Tracton may be able to assist you with your child custody issues.