Divorces are difficult no matter how much you both agree it's time to go separate ways. It gets a lot more complicated when children are involved. Hopefully you can put aside your differences long enough to decide on the best course of action when it comes to the kids. If not, you may be considering whether or not sole guardianship is a better option than joint guardianship. Retaining the services of a Durham NC custody attorney may be necessary to help you make an informed decision.
If you and your estranged spouse are cooperating with one another, and making your kids the number one priority, a joint custodial arrangement can usually be worked out. This is a plan for parents who are ready and willing to share the responsibilities of raising their children. Sometimes courts step when parents get to a sticking point in their negotiations.
Customarily, joint custodial responsibilities entail the kids living with the primary caregiver on weekdays and visiting the other parent on weekends and holidays. This arrangement is especially beneficial for parents who are in new relationships or have moved a significant distance away. Alternating holidays is a common way to make sure both extended families have a chance to see the kids.
A custodial arrangement that is gaining in popularity is the one known as bird nesting. With this plan, the kids remain in the family home and the parents alternate physical custody by moving in and out on their respective weeks. Most maintain a separate home for the times they aren't with the children. This is especially beneficial for younger children who are easily confused by alternating living arrangements.
In instances when abuse or instability is an issue, sole custodial care may be necessary. If you want to take this route you will have to petition the court. In doing so, you will be required to show that the other parent is unfit. This usually involves alcohol or drug abuse, physical abuse, financial, mental, or lifestyle instability. The other party is allowed to rebut the accusations.
Sole guardianship can be a difficult, but there are advantages to it. The children get the benefit of one fully engaged parent and a stable home life. They don't have any direct interaction with the other parent without supervision. The two adults benefit by not having to deal with one another on a regular basis. Over time, tensions often ease. The parental guardian sometimes has physical and legal custody, and sometimes has one or the other.
When parents are disagreeing about almost everything concerning the welfare of the children, the court has the option of appointing a guardian ad litem. This person is charged with assessing the family situation to determine what is in the best interests of the children. They report their findings to the court for considerations.
Divorce is difficult even when you know it's the only choice. Having children makes it even more traumatic. It's important for the parents to act like mature adults and put the interests of the kids above all.
If you and your estranged spouse are cooperating with one another, and making your kids the number one priority, a joint custodial arrangement can usually be worked out. This is a plan for parents who are ready and willing to share the responsibilities of raising their children. Sometimes courts step when parents get to a sticking point in their negotiations.
Customarily, joint custodial responsibilities entail the kids living with the primary caregiver on weekdays and visiting the other parent on weekends and holidays. This arrangement is especially beneficial for parents who are in new relationships or have moved a significant distance away. Alternating holidays is a common way to make sure both extended families have a chance to see the kids.
A custodial arrangement that is gaining in popularity is the one known as bird nesting. With this plan, the kids remain in the family home and the parents alternate physical custody by moving in and out on their respective weeks. Most maintain a separate home for the times they aren't with the children. This is especially beneficial for younger children who are easily confused by alternating living arrangements.
In instances when abuse or instability is an issue, sole custodial care may be necessary. If you want to take this route you will have to petition the court. In doing so, you will be required to show that the other parent is unfit. This usually involves alcohol or drug abuse, physical abuse, financial, mental, or lifestyle instability. The other party is allowed to rebut the accusations.
Sole guardianship can be a difficult, but there are advantages to it. The children get the benefit of one fully engaged parent and a stable home life. They don't have any direct interaction with the other parent without supervision. The two adults benefit by not having to deal with one another on a regular basis. Over time, tensions often ease. The parental guardian sometimes has physical and legal custody, and sometimes has one or the other.
When parents are disagreeing about almost everything concerning the welfare of the children, the court has the option of appointing a guardian ad litem. This person is charged with assessing the family situation to determine what is in the best interests of the children. They report their findings to the court for considerations.
Divorce is difficult even when you know it's the only choice. Having children makes it even more traumatic. It's important for the parents to act like mature adults and put the interests of the kids above all.
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