Agreeing on the custody arrangement can be one of the most difficult achievements for any parent going through a breakup. Generally, an agreement between parents is better than one made by courts. Parents should remain focused on what is the best for the child.
When parents cannot agree, however, family mediation can be useful. Mediation is an effective alternative that allows parents to meet with trained professionals who will help guide them to a custody resolution. The goal of mediation is to reach a settlement agreeable to both parents. Mediation also tends to be less expensive. In some jurisdictions, mediation is required by the court before hearing a custody dispute case. The court realizes just how harmful battles can be for children, so it makes every attempt possible to help prevent such fights.
Here are some questions to ask when deciding custody:
- Which parent has cared for the child's everyday needs, such as meals, driving to school, transportation for school, doctor visits, haircuts?
- Which parent will most likely keep the home or remain in the same school district?
- Which parent has been and will continue to work full time and be the primary bread winner of the family?
- Is a parent willing to change, if necessary, in order to have custody, and is changing even realistic?
- What are the financial repercussions of a certain custody decision?
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