Going through a divorce is never easy, particularly when children are involved. Alongside all the other issues, you, as guardians, will need to place a huge focus on the concept of custody, access, and contact.
McPartland & Sons Solicitors have put together some simple tips to keep your focus on the children and make them a priority.
#1. Remember Your Child Comes First
Before the process even reaches the courts, you will need a plan in place for what you’d like to gain in terms of custody and visitation rights. It is important to remember that while a part of you will naturally desire full custody with no visitation rights for your ex-spouse, the only person to suffer from that option would be the child.
Unless there is a genuine reason to stop your child from seeing their other parent, you need to put differences aside and try to find common ground for your child. Never make your child choose aside.
#2. Do Your Research
Family law and divorces can be complicated, which is why you need to know in advance what to expect. Familiarise yourself with the processes involved such as key components of a parenting plan to include decision making, education, medical, religion, and extra-curricular activities. Try and maintain a positive mindset for the best possible outcome and don’t be afraid to seek advice from friends and relatives that have been through a similar situation.
#3. Have Documents
If you have a complicated separation that has turned nasty, you need to prove that co-parenting with them impacts decision making. If you have been the main decision-maker and wish to retain this status, the courts will prove that this is the case and so it’s vital that you prepare documents. Hard evidence will carry far more weight than words alone. It also removes the threat of crossed wires or confusion.
#4. Be Realistic About Schedules
Juggling parenting duties along with working and other responsibilities isn’t always easy, but if parents can work together, it can lighten the load. If you can put a plan in place so that work schedules do not conflict, then this makes it convenient for both parents. Consistency for the child is paramount. The transitions from one home to the other can be a troublesome time especially if your child feels that they are leaving one parent behind. If you can’t deal with each other for the sake of the child, the after-school pick-up is the ideal solution.
#5. Find A Great Solicitor
While you can certainly help prepare your case, you must have a great solicitor to present your arguments in court. Representing yourself is never a great idea because of the background work and paperwork that is required. Likewise, it can be a very emotional time for everybody involved which is why having an expert who is fully focused on getting the right outcome by your side is essential.
If you are looking for a professional and reliable family law solicitor, then H McPartland & Sons in Lurgan and Lisburn can offer you just that. Contact us for a free, no obligation chat about our expert legal services in all areas of family law including child support, child custody and child welfare.
Related blogs: