Tips to Help You Deal with Custody Issues and Parenting Plans

Child custody cases are some of the most difficult ones for an adult to go through. Just thinking of the effects of the divorce on children can be enough to make parents break down. While there isn’t a way to take away all the effects that the divorce will have on your children, there are some ways that you can make the situation less stressful.

One thing you can do is to remember that your child custody case is about your children and not you. This can be difficult, especially when you are in a battle with your ex. Putting the focus on the children can often make it easier for you to make decisions in the children’s best interest.

When you are speaking of your ex to your children, remember that your ex is still your child’s parent. Don’t speak in a negative manner about him or her. By keeping things positive when speaking of your ex, you can help to put your child at ease since your child might not feel that he or she has to choose between you and your ex.

Picking your battles and being realistic about parenting schedules can also help your child custody case. Make sure that you don’t overdo your schedule just because you don’t want your ex to have the children on his or her terms. Take your child’s wishes into account when making parenting plans and schedules. This can help your child feel more secure.

If you are in the midst of a child custody battle or if you are heading toward a divorce, understanding your rights under California law can help you to decide how to handle the choices that come up during the process.

Source: Parents, “9 Rules to Make Joint Child Custody Work,” Kate Bayless, accessed Sep. 27, 2015