Divorces are difficult no matter how much you both agree it's time to go separate ways. It gets a lot more complicated when children are involved. Hopefully you can put aside your differences long enough to decide on the best course of action when it comes to the kids. If not, you may be considering whether or not sole guardianship is a better option than joint guardianship. Retaining the services of a Durham NC custody attorney may be necessary to help you make an informed decision.
The best case scenario is that the spouses act intelligently and as adults when it comes to making custodial arrangements for their children. If they are equally responsible and committed, a joint arrangement can usually be worked out. When differences arise that can't be resolved between the two, the court may intervene.
Most of the time kids end up living with one parent during the week and spending weekends, or alternate weekends, and holidays with the other parent. This arrangement can have advantages for the adults. When one, or both, are involved with new partners or have moved away, this is a convenient arrangement. Alternating visitation on holidays is common and a good way for extended family to get to see the kids.
A custodial arrangement that is gaining in popularity is the one known as bird nesting. With this plan, the kids remain in the family home and the parents alternate physical custody by moving in and out on their respective weeks. Most maintain a separate home for the times they aren't with the children. This is especially beneficial for younger children who are easily confused by alternating living arrangements.
In instances when abuse or instability is an issue, sole custodial care may be necessary. If you want to take this route you will have to petition the court. In doing so, you will be required to show that the other parent is unfit. This usually involves alcohol or drug abuse, physical abuse, financial, mental, or lifestyle instability. The other party is allowed to rebut the accusations.
Sole guardianship can be a difficult, but there are advantages to it. The children get the benefit of one fully engaged parent and a stable home life. They don't have any direct interaction with the other parent without supervision. The two adults benefit by not having to deal with one another on a regular basis. Over time, tensions often ease. The parental guardian sometimes has physical and legal custody, and sometimes has one or the other.
When parents are disagreeing about almost everything concerning the welfare of the children, the court has the option of appointing a guardian ad litem. This person is charged with assessing the family situation to determine what is in the best interests of the children. They report their findings to the court for considerations.
Divorces are difficult. They affect all the family members. When couples can move past the issues, at least momentarily, to concentrate on the best interests of their kids, everybody wins. Failure to do that can have lifelong consequences for their children.
The best case scenario is that the spouses act intelligently and as adults when it comes to making custodial arrangements for their children. If they are equally responsible and committed, a joint arrangement can usually be worked out. When differences arise that can't be resolved between the two, the court may intervene.
Most of the time kids end up living with one parent during the week and spending weekends, or alternate weekends, and holidays with the other parent. This arrangement can have advantages for the adults. When one, or both, are involved with new partners or have moved away, this is a convenient arrangement. Alternating visitation on holidays is common and a good way for extended family to get to see the kids.
A custodial arrangement that is gaining in popularity is the one known as bird nesting. With this plan, the kids remain in the family home and the parents alternate physical custody by moving in and out on their respective weeks. Most maintain a separate home for the times they aren't with the children. This is especially beneficial for younger children who are easily confused by alternating living arrangements.
In instances when abuse or instability is an issue, sole custodial care may be necessary. If you want to take this route you will have to petition the court. In doing so, you will be required to show that the other parent is unfit. This usually involves alcohol or drug abuse, physical abuse, financial, mental, or lifestyle instability. The other party is allowed to rebut the accusations.
Sole guardianship can be a difficult, but there are advantages to it. The children get the benefit of one fully engaged parent and a stable home life. They don't have any direct interaction with the other parent without supervision. The two adults benefit by not having to deal with one another on a regular basis. Over time, tensions often ease. The parental guardian sometimes has physical and legal custody, and sometimes has one or the other.
When parents are disagreeing about almost everything concerning the welfare of the children, the court has the option of appointing a guardian ad litem. This person is charged with assessing the family situation to determine what is in the best interests of the children. They report their findings to the court for considerations.
Divorces are difficult. They affect all the family members. When couples can move past the issues, at least momentarily, to concentrate on the best interests of their kids, everybody wins. Failure to do that can have lifelong consequences for their children.
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