A Massachusetts marriage is a vow for life between two committed individuals recognized by the state. Yet sometimes, it ends earlier than expected due to various reasons. Divorce or legal separation between parents is one of the most complicated and intense parts of any family litigation out there.
Everything becomes much more complicated when there are kids involved, with the question of who gets awarded the custody comes into play during legal proceedings. But even after finalizing a child custody arrangement, there are still issues that occur along the way.
The following discusses some of the major problems that arise with custody arrangements and some tips on how to resolve them.
- Visitation or Parenting Time
Visitation or parenting time disruptions are one of the most common challenges faced by a large number of divorced parents. This occurs when one or both parents fail to follow the agreed-upon custody agreement such as dates and times. It can accidentally happen as a side effect of other changes that have occurred in their personal life like a change in residence or job. Sometimes, a custodial parent may intentionally disobey a visitation arrangement if the co-parent fails to provide child support and others.
If a custodial parent isn’t following the visitation agreement, it’s best to contact a local custody lawyer and discuss what appropriate actions you can do. You can settle it out with your attorney by trying to communicate with your ex-spouse.
A lawyer may recommend various visitation schedules to ensure that each parent has access to the children and follows the guidelines stipulated in the custody agreement signed by both parties in court. In terms of holidays or important occasions, parents may have to agree with a compromise. Many lawyers suggest rotating access during these special occasions.
Virtual visitation is one that uses video conferencing technology or other communication tools to provide children and non-custodial parents a chance to connect and keep their relationships intact.
- Making Decisions With Regards To The Child’s Upbringing
When a given parent gets physical and legal custody of a kid, they get the right and responsibility to care for and make major decisions on the child’s behalf. These may include decisions regarding the child’s health, education, religion, welfare, and upbringing.
However, challenges can arise with the differing opinions among co-parents. This case becomes complicated when a parent’s goals and preferences for their young one vary from the other.
A lawyer can conduct a mediation procedure to help both parents reach an agreement. During mediation, both parties can explain their goals and preferences for their child’s upbringing and work towards a solution that’ll put the best interests of the child on top.
Furthermore, both can develop a dispute resolution plan to help them resolve this same issue in the future.
- Relocations
In the event that one of the parents is planning to move somewhere far, agreeing on long-distance parenting is essential. If details about the relocation can’t be smoothened out, it can be settled with the help of a lawyer. The problem arises when both parents have a different take on the relocation which may lead to them arguing with each other and child visitation will become complicated.
If you and your ex-spouse can’t agree with each other, then it is best to leave it up to the court. The judge will analyze different factors before coming out with a decision in the name of the child’s best interests in mind.
- Negative Psychological Effects On Children
When divorced parents change homes and start living apart, it can have a negative effect on the child’s psychological wellbeing. Research shows that parental conflict and bitter child custody battles take a profound toll not only on the parents but more significantly on the emotional and psychological health of kids caught up in the middle.
This can result in increased behavioral problems like dropping out of school, delinquency, or engaging in risky behaviors including using drugs or alcohol. In addition, mental and emotional health issues may also arise causing children to be depressed and anxious, sometimes making them worry if the divorce was their fault.
These negative impacts on a child’s wellbeing should be dealt with properly with the help of a licensed therapist or counselor. Helping your kids understand the whole divorce process with talk therapy or other resources can help them adjust to changes.
Conclusion
These are just some of the common challenges faced by divorced parents when taking care of their kids and dealing with custody. Ultimately, whatever issue may arise, the former partners need to communicate and cooperate to some degree for the sake of their children’s general welfare.
Should you be in the midst of a divorce or contemplating divorce, contact the Law Offices of Renee Lazar at 978-844-4095 to schedule a FREE one hour no obligation consultation.
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