How To Help Your Kids Adjust To Child Custody
The divorce process is always a tough one. Whether the process was contested or both parties agreed to split fairly amicably, there will always be struggles with which to deal. For couples with children, getting those kids used to the new custody arrangements can often be the biggest struggle, and can cause some growing pains as everybody becomes accustomed to the new normal. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at some of the ways you can help your child through this transitional period.
At the Law Office of Jordan B. Rickards, we serve New Jersey with our expert divorce attorney services. Mr. Rickards is an experienced lawyer, and he will work with you throughout your divorce to ensure you get the best possible deal. When you are figuring out child custody arrangements, be sure to have a strong lawyer on your side!
The Child’s Best Interest
In the past, there were usually more limited child custody arrangements, in which one parent would have full custody and the other parent would gain some form of visitation. However, this is not always in the best interest of the child, and now the courts will try to always act in the best interest of the child. This usually means splitting custody of the children so that they live with both parents for agreed upon periods of time.
Creating A Parenting Plan
During the custody agreement, the parents will be required to come up with a parenting plan. This plan will outline the amount of time the child spends at each parent’s home as well as the level of authority each parent has in the child’s life. Some of the factors courts will consider as they examine your parenting plan include:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The involvement each parent had previously in the child’s life
- The ability of the parent to provide for the child emotionally, physically, and developmentally
- The existence of dangerous environment due to violence, drug or alcohol addiction, or other harmful activity
Once a plan is agreed upon and legally placed into action, one parent can face serious consequences if they break the agreement or fail to perform the responsibilities outlined in it.
Helping Your Child Adjust
While the relationship between you and your spouse did not work out, it’s still very important for your child to have a good relationship with both of their parents. We have compiled a few factors that can help your child as they are working to get used to this new situation.
Make Their Own Space
Give the child a designated space that is their own for their belongings at both parents’ homes.
Scheduling
When you are making a parenting plan, take your child’s school, recreational, and social schedule to mind and plan around that.
Be Considerate
Working with the other parent may not be ideal, but being on-time and courteous can help your child see you both cooperating rather than fighting.
Communication
You must be clear on how you will communicate with the other parent about events in your child’s life or plan changes. It is also important not to use the child to send messages between each other and not to talk poorly of your former spouse in front of the child.
Rules
Agreeing upon a certain set of rules can help to keep your child grounded rather than treating one parent like the “fun” parent and one as the “mean” parent.
Get Child Custody Help In New Jersey
While the transition will undoubtedly be difficult and strange at first, you and your children can work through this time and find a new routine that works for everyone. When you need help with child custody or a divorce in New Jersey, reach out to the Law Office of Jordan B. Rickards!
