There are various reasons behind why two people decide to get married and others behind why a couple decides to divorce. Regardless of what may be the cause of the separation, those divorcing who have children have to remember that their children are not responsible for the divorce. As the two parents work to create a child custody arrangement in Pennsylvania, this fact and keeping the child’s needs as the biggest priority can ease the possible stress of the process.
Co-parenting and shared custody arrangements are two options that allow both parents to spend quality time with their children. However, both of these arrangements require a great deal of cooperation and working together despite the parents’ differences. By being able to spend approximately equal time with each parent, children may experience less pressure to side with one party or the other, especially when the parents do not add this pressure.
Keeping arguments away from the children can help them to feel more safe and secure in their new situation. Outlining possible conflicts in living arrangements, holiday plans and other rules early can prevent those big arguments from occurring later on. The child custody agreement can outline many of the major details, while smaller things, like when the children will go to bed, may have to be dealt with individually.
If one decides to work through a more equal child custody arrangement with his or her former spouse, remembering to put the needs of the children first can help provide perspective in light of the emotional tension of the divorce. Those looking into child custody in Pennsylvania have a myriad of resources available to them that can provide additional information. Family legal professionals can be helpful during this process as well.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Successful and Positive Co-Parenting After Divorce”, Kelly Benamati, Mar. 23, 2016
