Parents who decide to divorce often face difficult legal challenges in order to create an equitable division of assets and responsibilities. While there are many issues that must be resolved, child custody can be one of the most emotionally charged and difficult for families to agree upon. However, there are resources available that may help reduce conflict and create a more manageable schedule for all parties involved.
For example, many couples choose to participate in child custody mediation before filing for divorce. This type of mediation is often court-ordered, but it can also be private and voluntary. The goal of child custody mediation is to reduce hostility, promote cooperation and create a positive co-parenting environment.
The goal of child custody is to provide both parents with regular and ongoing contact with their children. If both parents want to share custody, they must create a parenting plan that addresses issues such as living arrangements, education, extracurricular activities and other important aspects of the child’s life. It is crucial that both parents understand the legal requirements in their jurisdiction before creating a custody arrangement.
Once the plan is complete, it must be approved by the court. In some cases, the court will grant joint custody, while in others, it will award one parent sole custody. In either case, the judge will consider the best interests of the child when making a decision.
Custody arrangements can be divided into two different categories: legal and physical. Legal custody involves the authority to make decisions regarding a child’s health, well-being and development. This is often awarded to both parents, although it can be granted to one parent in particular if the other party is unfit for this role. Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to a child’s residence. This can be assigned to one parent, shared between the parents or awarded to a third party.
When determining child custody, the courts will take into account the wishes of the children if they are mature enough to express them. However, a court will typically override these preferences if it is determined that the desired arrangement is not in the child’s best interest.
When working with a child custody dispute, it is a good idea to seek the guidance of an experienced divorce & family lawyer in Miami. A knowledgeable legal advocate can protect the rights of all parties involved and help facilitate productive discussions to reach a mutually acceptable solution.