Teens And Child Custody: 3 Things To Consider When Your Child Wants To Change The Agreement
Posted on: 10 May 2017
Child custody arrangements are one of the most challenging aspects of settling a divorce because it is hard to plan for what may happen down the line. For many families, it is common to discover that an arrangement that worked well through elementary school no longer fits a teenager's lifestyle. When your child expresses concern about their current living and visitation arrangements, it is important to listen. Then, take these steps to determine if modifying the arrangement is necessary for their health and happiness.
Discuss Their Reasons
It is important to understand that child custody law is designed to meet the best interests of children at each stage of development. However, it is also critical to make sure that your teenager knows what is in their best interests. Talk to your teenager about why they want to change the current agreement. Are the concerned about being able to keep a job when they travel between two different cities every other weekend, or do they just want to live closer to their new friend? Getting to the bottom of your child's request is essential for knowing how to proceed with any potential modifications to your agreement.
Try to Find a Compromise
When dealing with child custody, it is always best to work with your ex-partner to find an agreeable solution. Sometimes, it is necessary for one or both parties to put their personal pride or preferences aside in an effort to honor the teenager's best interests. For example, you might arrange for more time with the non-custodial parent during the summer so that your child can have their school year weekends free to play sports.
Seek Legal Advice For Handling Disagreements
Child custody discussions can get heated since it is a parent's natural instinct to want to spend as much time as possible with their child. It is also common for differences in parenting styles to cause one parent to balk at giving their child more time at the other parent's home. When you hit an impasse, a child custody lawyer can step in and help you understand your legal rights so that they are protected during the process of modifying your current order.
When you first established your child custody arrangements, your child may have been too young to give much input. Now, you will need to work with their other parent to figure out what type of arrangements will be fair to everyone. As you proceed with making the decision regarding your child's custody arrangements, remember that staying within the law is critical for everyone's happiness. For more information, contact companies like The Law Offices of Lisa E. Frazer, LLC.
Share