In contentious divorces, it often feels like one spouse is overpowering the negotiations about child custody and the visitation schedule. That parent will make it seem like the other parent is not caring, does not have time for the child, and does not provide enough, even if these things are not true. In part, this is why it is important to have a skilled divorce attorney to represent you and what you truly do to be an active parent in your child’s life.
Family law judges consider many things when they decide on child custody matters. They want to take into account all the factors that lead to the best interests of the child. This includes:
The child’s age
The child’s current routine with school and activities
The child’s preference, particularly if they are in their teenage years
The potential emotional and social impact of the custody arrangement
Any special medical or educational needs
A parent’s lifestyle, stability, financial status, and health to provide for the child
The current child-parent relationship
Sometimes a judge will request that a guardian ad litem, custody evaluator, mental health professional, or a social worker should evaluate the parents and child to provide the family law courts with the best recommendation for the child. Once a decision has been made, this will affect the child custody and parenting agreement. It is important to get clarification regarding any parts of these documents that are unclear to you as a parent. Months and years down the road, you do not want to be accused of violating these orders because something was vague and you could not quite meet the requirements that were laid out.
Violating the child custody or visitation orders can cause you to be in contempt of court, allow the other parent to have “make up” visitation time, and can even involve the guilty parent having to pay for attorneys’ fees or face jail time. Parents are allowed to modify these agreements as the child grows and various life events necessitate a modification of the custody or parenting schedule. What is most important is to work out any future changes with your ex in a rational manner. Withholding visitation to get back at your ex hardly does any good as your child then becomes caught in the middle of the crossfire.
Brandon child custody attorney Joshua Law is with Osenton Law Offices, P.A. in Tampa Bay and as a children’s rights lawyer, he looks out for the child’s best interests in divorce cases. If you need a Brandon divorce lawyer, Brandon child custody lawyer, or Brandon family law attorney, call 813.654.5777 or visit http://www.brandonlawoffice.com/.
