Life doesn’t always go as planned. We move, change jobs, lose jobs, suffer the loss of a loved one and even experience a marriage ending. Even though most parents in California intend to stay together, some find divorce to be the better option for them. Although it might be best for them, divorcing parents need to understand how the process impacts children and what to do if they find themselves embroiled in a child custody dispute.
Reaching a child custody agreement is anything but easy or ideal; however, it is a necessary step and a decision that must be made. It is easy for parents to vocalize what they want, but it is much more challenging to take a step back and consider the best interests of the child. This is in fact what the court will look at if the dispute reaches litigation.
When considering the best interests of a child, a parent must consider how to provide for a child physically, emotionally and mentally. A parent must also be able to prove that they can provide a stable, supportive and loving environment.
Even before parents negotiate a custody settlement, they likely have an idea of what they want. However, once the negotiation process commences, parents will often see how their desires and wishes may not fully align with the needs and best interests of their child. Thus, it is vital that parents view this family law issue from the perspective of their child. This will ensure that the custody arrangement meets his or her needs.
Divorce can bring with it a wide variety of ups and downs. It is not easy, by any means, but it is a common event in society to day. Thus, divorcing parents need to understand how the process could impact their child and what steps they could take to reduce these negative impacts.
Source: Thedailymind.com, “The Children Come First: How To Deal With A Child Custody Battle,” Sept 25, 2017
