Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally draining process, especially when it involves children. One of the most challenging aspects of divorce is often custody disputes. When parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, it can lead to a long and difficult and expensive legal battle. This can be stressful for both parents and children and can have a lasting impact on their relationships.
In a custody dispute, both parents will typically want what is best for their children, but they may have different ideas about what that means. Each parent may feel that they are better equipped to provide for the child's needs, resulting in a conflict that can be difficult to resolve. The court will consider the following factors when making a custody determination if an agreement cannot be made prior to the court date:
- The ability of the parents to communicate, cooperate and agree concerning the child;
- The willingness of the parents to accept custody and any history of unwillingness to allow parenting time that was not based on substance abuse concerns;
- The relationship and interaction between the child and its parents and siblings;
- The age of the child and the ages of the child's siblings;
- The safety of the child;
- Any history of domestic violence and the safety of either parent from physical abuse perpetrated by the other parent;
- The preference of the child based on the child's age and maturity;
- The proximity of the homes of the parents;
- The stability of the home environment offered;
- The quality and continuity of the child's education;
- The fitness of both of the parents;
- The extent and quality of time spent with the child by each parent both before and after the parents' separation;
- The employment responsibilities of the parents; and
- The needs of the child.
It is essential to have an experienced family law attorney on your side during a custody dispute. Our Family Law attorneys at Simon Law Group LLC can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support your case, and negotiate with the other parent or their attorney. We can also help you understand your legal rights and obligations and work to ensure that your child's best interests are protected. With our help, you can work towards a custody arrangement that is fair and reasonable for everyone involved.
At Simon Law Group LLC we will work tirelessly for you and help you navigate the system. Contact us for a free consultation at 800-709-1131 or fill out a form and we will reach out to you.