The Impact Sharing Custody Will Have on My Child

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It’s important for children of divorcing parents that any changes to custody or living arrangements go as smoothly as possible. Whenever possible, children should be able to spend as much time with their parents as possible. Parents will not only have worry over the access they have to their own child but also how their child will be impacted by a change in the life they once knew. It’s not uncommon for parents to have questions over the legal process that lies ahead and carry worry over how their child may be impacted. Attorneys who have experience in family law and child custody may be helpful in not only representing you, but answering some of the questions you may have.

What are common custody arrangements?

Coming up with a plan that is right for your child can be a challenge, especially when both parents are vying for time with their child. As a result, emotions can get the better of people. In some cases, negotiations over custody can quickly become heated. The two most common forms of child custody are:

Physical Custody: is when the parent manages most of the day to day care of the child. In many cases, one parent will be the child’s home base, while another will have visitations. Some parents may choose to split physical custody. Meaning, a child will spend half of their time living with each parent.

Legal Custody: is when a parent has the ability to make key decisions involving the care of the child such as education, medical and other important decisions regarding care. In some cases, parents share legal custody of a child.

How will child custody impact my child?

Children need to have relationships with their parents. With so many changes happening all at once, it’s not uncommon for a child to face many challenges. Emotions can run high and, for a child, it can be completely overwhelming. Some children may even worry that they somehow were the reason for their parent’s divorce. It can be easy for a child to get lost in the shuffle amidst child custody situations. As a parent, it’s important to keep their needs at the forefront and provide them with as much support as possible.

What is the best way to support my child?

While divorce can be especially difficult for parents who are separating the lives they once shared, your child may be left feeling completely overwhelmed. It’s important that as a parent, you support your child during this difficult time, which, means that you will have to set your own feelings aside. Supporting your child means that you will need to:

• Listen to them
• Seek help from a counselor
• Make sense of their behavior
• Do not speak poorly of the other parent

Do I need an attorney when making child custody arrangements?

Even the most amiable child custody negotiations may require the assistance of an attorney. At least consulting with an attorney regarding your situation will be important. Take the time to make sure that you consider the options available in your area. Having an attorney by your side can offer a number of benefits. The road that lies ahead can be challenging, not only can an attorney assist you, they can play a key role in custody negotiations.

Are you facing child custody? Are you worried over how your child will adjust to this significant change in their lives?  Adjusting to your family’s new normal can take time. Although you will want to emotionally support your child in the best way possible, you will need to protect your own interests as well. Speaking with experienced child custody lawyer Rockville, MD offers regarding your child custody situation may be key when determining the best course of action for you and your child.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Daniel J. Wright for their insight into sharing child custody and family law.