Divorce can be a stressful time.
If you share children, creating a visitation schedule and custody arrangements are some of the most important parts of the divorce process.
Your custody arrangements will have a long lasting effect on your child.
You should not let your preoccupation with the circumstances of your divorce interfere with the custody of your child.
There are several things you should consider if you want to create successful custody arrangements.
Meeting the needs of your child should be your main priority.
You should revolve your custody arrangements around your child and what is best for him.
Some parents tend to forget that both parents are equally important in their child's life.
They tend to focus on their own needs and don't realize that they are harming their child.
Keeping a child away from a good parent only harms the child.
Children need frequent, ongoing contact with both parents.
A successful visitation schedule will provide your child with plenty of quality time with both of you.
You should encourage and foster a relationship between your child and your ex.
Interfering with their relationship is wrong.
A judge may even give more custody to the other parent if he or she feels you are uncooperative and are likely to withhold visitation rights.
Judges consider all of the factors that affect the best interests and well-being of a child when making decisions in custody cases.
Communication is a key component of successful custody arrangements and visitation schedules.
Even though you are no longer in a romantic relationship with your ex, you roles as parents haven't changed.
You will need to find a way to set your differences aside for the sake of your child and work out a custody agreement.
You will need to find an effective way to communicate with each other that minimizes conflict and encourages productivity and harmony.
If you are unable to create a custody agreement you both agree on, the court will make your custody arrangements for you.
When the court makes your custody plan, you relinquish control of your right to make decisions regarding your child's custody.
You wouldn't ask a waiter to choose your entrée for you or expect the girl in the clothing store to select your wardrobe.
Why would you allow a stranger to make very important decisions regarding your child? The most effective custody arrangements are the ones that parents are able to agree on and create for themselves.
As your child's parents, you have intimate knowledge of your child's needs and all of the situations and circumstances in your child's life.
You know your own work schedules, your child's schedule, and are aware of all of the things which may affect your child's visitation schedule and custody arrangements.
You are the people who are most qualified and best suited to make the custody plans for your child.
When you are able to work with the other parent to create your child's custody arrangements, you should be able to create a customized plan that will meet the needs of your child and will be convenient for all of you to follow.
Working with the other parent may not be the ideal situation for you and the situation may be challenging, but your efforts will be well worth it in the end when your custody plans prove to be beneficial to your child and you.