When two adults who love each other decide to marry, they do so with the hope that they will live happily ever after until death separates them. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a marriage to end in divorce or separation. If this happens to you, one of the most important decisions you will need to make involves your minor children’s living arrangements.
Unless a divorce is acrimonious and a couple can’t seem to agree on anything, the court will often encourage divorcing parents to work out the terms of a parenting plan on their own. How can you create a parenting plan that will work for everyone involved? Here are three tips worth considering.
Put the best interests of the child first
The court might give you the free hand to determine how your child will be raised after your divorce. However, do keep in mind that it expects you to make this determination with your child’s best interests at heart. This calls for setting your differences aside and working as a team to give your child the love and care they deserve.
Treat your soon-to-be ex with respect
Your spouse might be responsible for the marriage’s collapse. However, blaming them or scolding them, especially in the presence of the child, is never a great idea when you are trying to work out a parenting plan. In fact, they might accuse you of trying to alienate them from the child, and this might be counterproductive in the long run.
Leave room for compromise
A hardline position and a parenting plan never go hand-in-hand. You will not get everything you want. To craft a parenting plan that works for everyone, you must be willing to cede some ground. After all, this is the whole point of putting your child’s best interests first.
Child custody can be a difficult subject during a divorce. Fortunately, seeking legal guidance can help you navigate the process and work out a parenting plan that will work for you, your ex and your child alike.