It is important for the Court to ensure stable home environments for children during and after a divorce. One potential challenge for divorced parents in California revolves around keeping rules between households consistent for children.
There are many aspects of divorce such as property division and resolution of custody, parenting time and support which take time and energy. However, the Court is actually paying close attention to your actions as a parent as well as your communications throughout this process. The Court wants to ensure you are a fit parent.
Parents need ensure stable home environments for children during and after a divorce. Prioritize your children’s well-being above all else if you wish to co-parent or seek or maintain child custody and parenting time orders. Children need stability and minimal conflict throughout this process, and there are steps parents can take to facilitate that.
The first step is for parents to simply sit down with each other, their counsel and perhaps a mediator and talk about their differences and try to reach a compromise.
Children who are 6 or older may be included in part of these discussions as well. The Court requires you to put the best interests of the children first. If you cannot reach a compromise you might find parenting classes or stress management courses to be helpful. These are often offered through family law courts.
Mediation is a powerful tool during and after a divorce. Mediation is based upon the guidance of an experienced and neutral third party who can work with you separately and together to help reach a workable agreement.
Parents should also think about what compromises they are willing to make and which ones they are not. Flexibility is important, but it may be possible to work out a give-and-take with your former spouse. If all else fails, parents have the option of returning to court to resolve some issues, although this removes a degree of control.
Many of these potential conflicts can be worked out in the parenting plans you create during the divorce. This parenting plan can deal with issues such as bedtimes, homework and vacations. There are, however, a few types of issues which may require the Court’s input to resolve. For example, relocation by one parent which affects custody and visitation for the other must be approved by a judge.
Learn more about how to ensure stable home environments for children during and after a divorce.
Protect your own interests and contact us or call 760-389-3927 to schedule an appointment for a remote or socially distanced consultation with one of our experienced Certified Family Law Specialists.