Child Custody: Things to Consider

Determining whether joint custody is in the best interest of your child or children can be a difficult decision to make. Under ideal circumstances, it's best for the child to have a loving and accessible relationship with both parents. But sometimes sole custody can be the most beneficial arrangement when parents cannot see eye to eye. Here are a few questions you should consider before deciding child custody.

Can you communicate openly with your ex about your child's emotions, activities, and personal needs? You need to be able to put your child first if you're going to explore a joint custody solution.

Can you be flexible when it comes to working with your ex in order to put your child first? Sometimes allowances will have to be made and schedules shifted. You need to be able to talk with your ex about these conditions.

Can you agree to not speak ill of your ex in front of your child? It's important that parent's have a united front, even if they are no longer together.

Can you respect that your child might be asked to follow different rules that don't match up with your own while staying at your ex's home? Again, you'll need to be flexible if you're going to be able to make a joint custody solution work for yourself and your family.

If you would like assistance during a child custody dispute, you should hire a family law attorney that can represent you and protect your best interests.