Divorce is hard for all Indiana residents, but when there are children involved, the parents and others invested in the child’s care and well-being cannot be distracted from the primary focus: the well-being of the child. Divorce issues will be complex and can cause seemingly endless disputes. That is true for property division and spousal support. When child custody is an issue, it can make an already fractured relationship worse. Having legal advice to address child custody and visitation issues is one of the most important decisions that both parents can make.
There are many factors that go into determining child custody. Some of these factors include which parent can provide the more nurturing environment, what the living arrangements are, if the disruption to the child’s routine will be limited, if there are other relatives in the house or area that can make the transition easier and more. Once the child custody determination is made, there will be the key matter of visitation rights for the other parent. Provided there are no ancillary issues such as abuse, it is imperative that the child and the noncustodial parent have a strong relationship and that is not undercut by lingering animosity the parents might have. Even in amicable divorces, it is wise to think about the child’s interests and protection.
Other considerations that arise regarding child custody include the custodial parent deciding to relocate, whether grandparents will have access to the child and how custody and visitation agreements that are already in place can be modified. The critical factor is the child’s best interests. The parents might have different perspectives as to what that entails. To avoid rancor and a long battle that inevitably places the child in the middle, it is crucial to have legal advice.
Whether it is a complex, conventional or simple divorce proceeding, having legal help from a law firm that is experienced in all aspects of family law is essential. At the beginning of the process, calling for a consultation for the first step toward a reasonable child custody decision.
