How to Resolve Child Custody Issues During a Divorce

How to Resolve Child Custody Issues During a Divorce

Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged process, especially when there are children involved. Resolving child custody issues often becomes a key focus for both parents, but what if you don’t agree on some fundamental choices and decisions?

Having professional help from a divorce solicitor in Belfast and surrounding areas will help many Irish families with child custody processes and queries, as it can become complicated and highly emotional. It’s important to remember during tough times in a divorce that the well-being and stability of the children should be, and often is, the top priority. 

In this article, we will explore effective strategies and steps to navigate the complexities of child custody during a divorce, ensuring that the best interests of the children are upheld.

What Are the Different Types of Child Custody? 

Before deciding on any child arrangements, both parents need to understand that there are four types of child custody, including legal, physical, sole, and joint. If the fathers name is on the birth certificate, then they still have parental responsibility over the child which doesn’t disappear during a divorce.

This means that one parent cannot stop the other from seeing the child. If they would like sole custody against the others will, then this would need to be decided by a court not the parent.  

However, there are many ways to settle child custody issues outside a court that are financially and emotionally less taxing. One important that you can do to help is do some of your own research there are lots of good resources available on line and many legal firms like Potomac family lawyers have information available on their site which may aid your understanding. 

How to Resolve Child Custody Issues During a Divorce 

As mentioned, going through a court to decide custody of children should be considered a last resort. There are many ways to resolve child arrangement issues, including:  

Communicate and Co-operate 

When it comes to communicating and co-operating with your ex-spouse, it’s best to remember you’re doing it in the best interest for your children. That means, pushing aside any hard feelings you may have towards them and making amends in order to attempt to co-parent your children. 

It’s likely you’ll both agree that you want what is best for your children, therefore finding a middle ground is needed to ease the stress on everyone. There are a couple of tactics to remember when dealing with an ex-spouse. To keep communications, clear always clarify what the other person means and never assume as this can lead to confusion and possible conflict.

It’s also a good idea to come from a supportive angle instead of an attacking one. Remind your ex-spouse you have the children’s best interests at heart, show respect to them and try not to snap or be awkward and communications can run a lot smoother. Co-operating as a team is still important even when separated.

Develop a Parenting Plan 

As part of the efforts to co-operate together, it’s a good idea to develop a parenting plan. This can either be done together, or you can present your parenting plan to your ex-spouse to see if they agree.

In your parenting plan, you should include designated days you would ideally have the children as well as contingency plans when it comes to school runs or childcare pickups, keeping in mind your ex-partner’s schedule. 

A parenting plan can be a good basis to show you’re serious about making co-parenting work and therefore may avoid the need for legal actions. Try to remain fair and open to changes in the parenting plan, and try to be flexible for each other as it will be hard to get used to single parenting as it is.

Explore Legal Assistance and Mediation 

If you’re struggling to communicate appropriately with your ex-partner about child custody arrangements, and you’ve exhausted all attempts to build a foundation that works, then it may be necessary to explore legal assistance. 

If you already have a divorce solicitor, they will be able to help you with child arrangements too. A family solicitor will always encourage you to try and resolve disputes outside of court and may suggest mediation.

If disputes still cannot be resolved through mediation, then your solicitor will help you gather evidence and documentation ready for court, should you choose that route. 

Resolving Child Custody Issues During a Divorce…

Resolving child custody issues can be a headache during a divorce. Coming to an agreement outside of court can reduce conflict, keep legal costs down, and help build a better relationship with your ex-spouse as well as set examples on how to resolve conflict for your children.

However, in times where you’re being prevented from seeing your child, it may be necessary to seek legal advice. This won’t automatically mean you have to go to court, but other forms of dispute resolutions may be explored. You’ll also have the support of someone who knows your rights as a parent to help support you through child custody battles. 

Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a legal professional if you’re seeking advice about child custody. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Note: This is a collaborative post