One of the most difficult aspects of your divorce will be considering how this process will impact your children. You want to make decisions that will allow your kids to have stability and security going forward, but there is not a cookie-cutter solution to this concern. Each family is different, and kids will have different needs, which is why it is important to have a custody and visitation order that will benefit the unique needs of the individual family.
You have the right to create your own custody order. You and the other parent can work together to create a final resolution that is uniquely suited to your own individual needs and the needs of your children. In order to do this, you will have to set aside your own differences with the other parent and focus on what is best for the youngest members of your Arizona family. It is also helpful to be familiar with the necessary steps to creating a strong and sustainable custody order.
The terms of your custody order
The terms of your custody order matter. What you include, or don’t include, could impact you and your kids for years to come. The more thorough your custody order, the less likely it will be that you experience disputes or confusion over the role of each parent. While each custody and visitation order is unique, the following are elements that should be included in each:
- Information about child support
- Parenting provisions and the responsibilities of each parent
- Schedules for custody exchanges and visitation
- Important details that are important for the children
The terms of your custody order should be thorough and detailed. This will reduce the chance of any issues arising due to lack of clarity. You can also include in your custody order an outline for how you and the other parent will resolve disputes if they occur.
Protecting your parental rights
Through the terms of a thoughtful visitation plan and custody order, you can balance the needs of your kids with your parental rights. Some of the specific things you will need to address in your plan include decision-making authority of each parent, how to exchange the children between homes, how the parents will share custody during the holidays and more. If you are unsure of how to create a meaningful custody order, you will benefit from seeking professional guidance as you move forward.