Did you know that most child custody cases can be worked out before going to court?
This may sound impossible as you move forward with your divorce, especially if you are not getting along with the other person, but it’s good to know that you may be able to work out the finer details without battling your ex-spouse in court.
Thanks to alternative dispute resolutions, such as mediation, you can work through all your differences, including those associated with child custody.
A parenting agreement can help
It is natural to deal with a child custody dispute in the event of a divorce. Both parents want what is best for their child, as well as themselves.
While there are times when litigation is the only way to resolve your issues, it’s a good idea to consider the benefits of a parenting agreement.
This can cover all of the following details:
— Where the child will live, also known as physical custody
— Visitation schedules
— Which parent is in charge of making important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, also known as legal custody
— Where the child will spend birthdays, holidays, and other major events
— The best way to handle future disputes and disagreements
Since no two divorce cases or family situations are exactly the same, the same holds true with a parenting agreement. While the above details are among the most important, many others can be included in a parenting agreement.
Getting started
A parenting agreement is typically the result of an alternative dispute resolution process. It is not always easy for both sides to work through disagreements, but many find that they can eventually reach a compromise that makes both sides happy.
Just because you are working out your differences through an alternative dispute resolution process does not mean you have to do so without the assistance of an attorney. You can still work closely with a family law attorney to ensure that you are making the right decisions and fully understand everything you are doing.
Creating a parenting agreement may be the best way for you and your former spouse to put your divorce in the past and to better focus on raising your child in the appropriate manner in the future.