Did you know that the United States has about 12.9 million custodial parents?
After you make a decision to get divorced from your spouse, the next step is to sort out your spousal and child custody rights. You and your spouse will have to negotiate a visitation schedule for your children.
In order for you to move forward with your divorce effectively, you’ll have to have a strong custody agreement.
Here are some tips for you to consider when you negotiate a visitation schedule. Read on!
1. Identify Your Negotiating Goals
As a parent, your primary goal is to maintain a strong relationship with your child and to make sure their needs come first. First, the goal should be an arrangement that is beneficial to both parties and the children. It is important to make sure the schedule is reasonable and sustainable in the long term.
Additionally, the schedule should be flexible and timely enough to accommodate each parent’s individual needs. The goal should also be to ensure that the exchange of the children stays as peaceful and uncontested as possible.
Last but not least, the goal should be to create a custody agreement that the parents can both be proud of. With these goals in mind, both parties should be able to come to an agreement they are both happy with.
2. Utilize a Child Focused Approach
A child-focused approach takes into consideration the child’s best interests and focuses on their needs. This approach recognizes that a child is likely to benefit most from having consistent contact with both of their parents.
It works to ensure parents have enough time to maintain a healthy relationship with their children. This could involve using a worksheet to discuss the schedule. It also encourages parents to compromise and decide how to handle holidays and special events.
When developing the schedule, the parents should have open communication and work collaboratively. The needs of the child should remain the center of the conversation, and any decisions made should prioritize them.
3. Seek Professional Advice From a Qualified Lawyer
When parents attempt to resolve differences through divorce proceedings and handling of child custody, it is important to seek advice from a professional and qualified lawyer. The lawyer can provide valuable insight to make sure the best decisions are made for the children involved.
A lawyer can help the parent to negotiate a safe and fair visitation schedule for both parties. It’s recommended to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to develop a successful strategy and plan of action.
You can also check out these child custody law services to provide the necessary advice to reach a resolution that is in the best interest of the children. The lawyer may even suggest alternative solutions, such as mediation.
Crafting a Convincing Visitation Schedule
The key to the successful negotiation of a visitation schedule is communication. Opening up a dialogue with patience and respect will help both parties come to an agreement.
Remember to be flexible, compromise, and keep the child’s safety in mind. By gathering the facts and obtaining professional help, you can be confident that you will craft a schedule that fits everyone’s needs. Take advantage of the resources available and reach out for help today!