4 Common Custody Issues Divorce Lawyers Can Handle For You

Every divorce is different. Some are amicable, and the couple can work together to make decisions about their children and property, while others may be more contentious. No matter what type of divorce you are going through, it is important to have an experienced lawyer by your side to protect your interests and those of your children. This article discusses four common custody issues that these lawyers will handle for you:

Determining Where the Child Lives

In some cases, both parents may share joint physical custody and spend equal time with their kids. In other instances, however, one parent may have primary physical custody while the other may have visitation rights. Divorce lawyers can help you come to an agreement about where the child lives and how much time they will spend with both of you. This will make it easier for you to bond with your kid and help them adjust to the changes in their life.

Making Major Decisions About the Child's Welfare

After a divorce, both parents usually want to have a say in major decisions about their child's welfare. These include decisions about their education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, determining who makes these decisions can sometimes lead to conflict, especially if the parents cannot see eye to eye. Divorce lawyers can help by mediating between you and your spouse and coming up with a plan that both of you agree on. This plan will be written into the divorce settlement, so there is no confusion about who makes what decisions.

Financial Support

If one parent has primary physical custody of the child, the other parent may be required to pay child support. This amount is intended to cover their food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and other costs required to raise them. The amount of child support owed is calculated using a formula that considers both parents' income and the time the child spends with each parent. Divorce lawyers will ensure that the child support payments are fair and accurate. They can also help if one parent fails to make their required payments.

Parenting Time

Even if one parent has primary physical custody of the child, the other parent is still entitled to parenting time. This time can be scheduled in various ways, such as alternating weekends, one weeknight per week, or every other weekend. In some cases, parents may agree to more flexible arrangements, such as letting the child stay with the other parent for an extended period of time during summer vacation. Having a parenting time schedule in place is important as it provides stability for the child's growth. A divorce lawyer can develop a schedule that takes into account the child's needs and the parents' routines.

Contact a law firm like Reisinger Booth & Associates for more information. 

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