You may believe that arriving at a win-win solution in a child custody dispute is impossible. However, it is possible for you and your spouse to create a child custody plan that is mutually beneficial and allows a good relationship with your children to be maintained.
In order to create this type of child custody arrangement, it is important to follow three primary guidelines.
Be open to compromise
When in the process of developing child custody arrangements, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that you should be unwilling to compromise. Perhaps, you justify this because you feel resentment towards your soon-to-be former spouse. However, it is important for you to realize that it is the well-being of your children, not your own needs, that are of paramount importance. As a result, it is vital that you be flexible during the process. This is not to say that you should not push back if you believe that your spouse is being unfair or unreasonable. However, you should not let your own selfish wishes or desire to punish your spouse taint your attitude during this important decision-making process.
Be willing to communicate
It is understandable that you and your spouse may be upset with each other during the divorce process. However, in order to raise healthy well-adjusted children, you will need to work together with your spouse for many years after the divorce has been completed. Since a successful parenting relationship with your children requires depends largely on your ability to communicate with each other, it is important to be as civil as possible and not let the divorce process poison the lines of communication.
Be creative
It is easy to assume that child custody arrangements must follow a rigid prescribed format. However, it does not have to be this way. You and your spouse have the option to create a custom plan that would best fit both of your needs through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. However, if you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement, a judge will likely determine the arrangements if your divorce goes to litigation.
To keep the process as amicably as possible, it is important to have experienced legal representation. The law firm of Schepisi & McLaughlin, P.A. can assist you in finding efficient and amicable solutions to the sensitive, but important, issues in your divorce.
