4 Tips for Making Joint Custody Work for Your Family
Divorce is never easy—especially for couples with children—but there are steps parents can take to make the process easier on the entire family. One of the first steps is consulting a compassionate and experienced family attorney.
If you need a custody lawyer in Fort Myers, contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. Whether you’re trying to determine child custody or handle asset division, we have a qualified attorney who will put you first during this trying time. Call us at 866-949-0888 to arrange a free consultation with family lawyer, and read on for four tips that can make joint custody work for your family.
- Don’t Assume There Is a Standard That Works for Everyone
ParentingAfterDivorce reminds readers that every family is different, and it’s important not to assume there’s a single, standard plan you can enact to ensure your own family’s success. Children have special needs based on their age, development and temperament, and what works for one family may not necessarily work for another. During the divorce and custody processes, it’s crucial that both parents acknowledge their children’s individual needs and cater to them accordingly.
- Don’t Badmouth Your Ex—Ever
Parents reminds readers of the one rule countless experts can agree on: don’t badmouth your ex. No matter how mad you might be at your ex, it’s important to avoid speaking ill of them, especially in front of your children. Besides, regardless of your own feelings, your children are most likely going to love your ex as much as they love you.
- Be Realistic About Your Schedule
It’s easy to become overzealous during a custody hearing and make promises or plans that you’ll never be able to keep. It’s important to remain realistic about your own schedule and commitments, though, no matter how badly you want to spend time with your children. The best way to approach the situation is as if it were a business deal; try to keep emotions at bay, and simply look at the facts.
- Try to Remember That a Bad Spouse Does Not Equal a Bad Parent
Even if your ex was a horrible spouse, that does not mean he or she is an equally horrible parent. It may be challenging, but it’s important to keep some perspective during divorce and custody proceedings and remember that bad spouses are fully capable of being good parents. In a joint custody arrangement, children are going to spend a significant amount of time with both parents, so you need to be comfortable with the idea that your spouse is still going to be a major presence in their lives.
Divorce may very well be the most challenging situation you encounter in your life, but it doesn’t have to be all negative. People who look at the process as a learning experience—not to mention a fresh start—are more likely to thrive post-divorce, even if they still have to see their ex-spouse on a regular basis because of a joint custody arrangement.
If you need a custody lawyer, Michael Raheb can help. Call our office today at 866-949-0888, and let us know what we can do for your family.
