A child custody arrangement helps organize each parent’s obligations to their children after a divorce. Many custody arrangements do not work the first time.
Here are a few things that you could discuss with your co-parent so that a custody schedule can work:
1. How often do you want to see your child?
How often you want to see your child can greatly alter a custody arrangement. While many parents want to see their children every day or every other day, it is not always the most realistic. You and your co-parent may benefit from rotating custody days of your child after every few days to a week.
2. Does your child have special needs?
If your child has special needs, then you may have to talk to your co-parent about what is expected to meet your child’s needs. This may mean you would need to spend more time with your child. The same could be said about your co-parent.
3. What would happen if you wanted to go on vacation?
Vacation is often a family event. If you or your co-parent is planning a vacation, then the details of this event may need to be discussed. This may also require a temporary change in a custody schedule.
4. Are you planning on moving?
After your divorce, you may have no option but to move to find better employment and housing opportunities. This could create difficulties upholding your parental responsibilities. You may need to address this issue with your co-parent.
5. Does your work or education conflict with the arrangement?
Work and school schedules often conflict with child custody schedules. You could talk to your co-parent to discuss how a schedule might be arranged so that you can still maintain your work and education.
Talking with a co-parent about altering a custody schedule may not be easy. You could reach out for help to learn about your legal options.