Why Should You Consider Joint Custody?
Do you have children and want custody? Relationships may end for a number of reasons. Sometimes custody issues arise due to divorces, but they might also arise if one parent feels as though the other parent is irresponsible or dangerous. Perhaps you and the other parent are both decent individuals, but you may also both want primary custody of your child.
This creates frustration and resentments. It is important to note that bickering can interfere with parenting, which is why it is wise to consider how you both can reach an agreement. Joint custody is one option for parents in this situation. The following points will help you to understand why joint custody is ideal.
Shared Expenses
You may be able to reach an agreement to share the costs of taking care of your child with the other parent. Perhaps you will want to divide the costs equally, or you may choose who will pay which costs. In some jurisdictions, child support payments may still be enforced to one of the parents. This can happen for a number of reasons. For example, one parent may have a significantly higher salary.
Stress Relief
As much as you love your child, you likely will want to have some time alone at some point. Even if you have family and friends who are willing to help, your child is missing bonding time with the other parent. Co-parenting will allow you and the other parent to have time alone or to spend doing leisure activities such as traveling. Taking care of a child the majority of the time can be stressful. Joint custody can relieve those frustrations.
Structure
Without a joint custody court order, there is not a clear understanding of what the parent without custody has to do. This can result in arguments about who will have the child at any given time. For example, the custodial parent may refuse to allow the non-custodial parent to keep the child on holidays, which can be disheartening. A joint custody order will likely outline the specifics of this type of issue making it easier to know what to expect.
Child custody lawyer services can help you understand additional reasons joint custody is ideal. They can also assist you with navigating the family court system. If there are complicated circumstance, they can determine the best approach to resolving them. They can also serve as a representative for you in court and help you determine any things that you should do prior to a custody hearing.
For more information, contact a company like Cragun Law Firm.