Shared Child Custody: Tips to Help Things Run More Smoothly

LAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia. Sharing child custody with your former spouse may seem like a tough challenge, but with a proper parenting plan, and with some planning, it can be easier for you and your kids. It is a good idea to speak to a Lawrenceville, Georgia child custody lawyer who can work with you and your former spouse to develop a parenting plan that will be accepted by the court. The Law Offices of Gregory C. Okwuosah, L.L.C. offer qualified and compassionate counsel to families making child custody plans.

Of course, parenting plans are flexible, and what you put in and leave out will reflect your children’s unique needs, your needs, and some compromises with your former partner. Here are some things to think about while developing a parenting plan.

1.      Put your children’s needs first. According to Parents Magazine, parents who put their children’s needs before their egos and their own desires tend to develop parenting plans that work better for their children and ultimately, for their families. This means being realistic about your own schedule and limits, and understanding your child’s needs.

2.      Consider your children’s age. Younger children benefit from more frequent transitions between homes, while older children may prefer longer periods with each parent or even may want to choose when and where they’ll stay at given periods of time. It is important to consider your child’s developmental needs when making a parenting plan. However, you don’t want to put children in the middle of a custody fight. Work out disagreements with your ex before asking the children what they prefer.

3.      Find ways to communicate with your former spouse. There are many ways child custody can be arranged, from shared online calendars to online tools that help you keep track of medical records and school reports. Some families work best by sticking to a regular schedule, others prefer the flexibility of a shared calendar. Find what works for your family and stick to it.

4.      Be flexible. As your child grows, your parenting plan may need to change. The needs of a toddler are not the same as the needs of a pre-teen. Make sure you build the opportunity for changes into your plan. Additionally, you may find that the parenting plan you worked out during your divorce doesn’t work in practice. Keep the lines of communication open and speak to your children to make sure the parenting plan is working for them as well.

5.      Understand your legal rights. Parents have a right to be a part of their children’s lives. The kind of custody agreement you reach with your ex will dictate what those rights are. Shared legal custody is not the same as shared physical custody. Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make decisions for his or her children, while physical custody refers to where a child resides. Understand the legal terms, and find a child custody lawyer who can explain the process to you in clear language.

The Law Offices of Gregory C. Okwuosah, L.L.C. in Lawrenceville, Georgia can assist you if you and your former spouse need to develop a parenting plan or resolve a child custody dispute. Contact our firm today to protect your rights and your family.