If you and your co-parent are discussing a child custody arrangement, it may help to prepare some talking points in advance.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself that could affect your child custody arrangement:
1. How often can you see your child?
As a parent, you likely want to spend a lot of time with your children. However, you may have to divide your time between caring for your children and going to work or pursuing higher education. And, your co-parent may have the same difficulties. You and your co-parent may need to discuss how a child custody arrangement can work around your ability to provide for your family.
2. When does your child go to school?
Your child’s education is very important. However, the school year can create some difficulties for co-parents. When the school year comes around, you and your co-parent may need to discuss what changes will be made to an arrangement so your child can go to school.
3. How far do you live from your co-parent?
The distance between you and your co-parent can lead to major considerations. If you do not live close to your co-parent, you may need to discuss having more custody time so that you are traveling less. If you live close to your co-parent, you may exchange custody more often throughout the week.
4. Does your job schedule change frequently?
Do you have a job that has inconsistent hours? Are you expected to travel a lot for your job? You may need to discuss if your employment is expected to affect your custody hours. You and your co-parent may need to talk about whether you are expected to leave your child with your co-parent when your job impedes or if you should hire a babysitter.
You may need to reach out for legal guidance to help negotiate the terms of your child custody arrangement.
