When children are involved in a marriage that is ending, negotiating a child custody agreement is one of the most important aspects of divorce mediation. Divorce is a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved, and the emotions involved can make it hard to move forward with negotiations in a civil and kind manner. Because of this, the parents involved may forget the following 3 things which are important to remember when negotiating a child custody agreement:
#1. Apart from instances of abuse or neglect, avoid attacking your ex-spouse’s character. It isn’t uncommon for the parties involved in custody negotiations to attack the other parent’s character as a means of gaining an advantage during negotiations. Unless one parent has a history of abusive or neglectful behavior, attacking their character makes negotiations more emotionally charged and difficult than they need to be.
#2. Prioritize your children and their needs above all. The purpose of a custody agreement is to make sure the needs of the children involved are being met. Because of the conflict and hurt so often present during custody negotiations, it is easy to forget to prioritize your children and their needs above your own wishes.
#3. Learn to communicate for the sake of the children involved. During a divorce, it makes sense to want to cut off communication with your ex. However, it is important to remember that, if you are going to be co-parenting with your ex, it is in your child’s best interest that you learn to communicate openly and courteously with the other parent involved. Whenever possible, put aside your differences and unite over your shared goal of providing a stable and healthy upbringing for your children.
Navigating a custody agreement can be a difficult task, but when you hire an experienced family attorney they can guide you through each step of the process. To learn more about working with the Law Office of Lindsay Soto, click here or call 503-315-7344.
