If you are preparing for the end of your marriage or you recently finished your divorce, there are many factors to take into account, from financial obligations such as alimony to your emotional well-being. However, if you have kids, you need to focus on child custody matters, whether you are in the middle of a contentious dispute or you want to reduce tension and minimize the impact of divorce for your child.
If you and your ex share custody of your children, there are various topics to look into and in some instances, communication plays a key role in minimizing strain and safeguarding your child’s future. In fact, even non-custodial parents should review custody issues. According to the Census Bureau, 50% of non-custodial parents had visitation rights during 2018 and 30.6% had some form of joint custody.
Looking at custody-related topics to discuss
There are a number of potential issues you need to talk about with your ex, such as who will have custody of a child during certain holidays. If you or your ex have unique needs regarding employment, it is important to talk about your schedule and try to find common ground. Sometimes, there are other topics to go over, such as medical care and a child’s education.
Looking into the benefits of communication regarding custody
When parents are able to stay in touch and discuss critical family law issues, such as child custody, there are a number of potential advantages. Healthy, positive communication can clear up confusion and reduce the likelihood of a bitter dispute. Moreover, talking about these matters often reduces stress for both parents as well as children. However, in some instances, it is best to avoid contact with a hostile and combative ex.