When a
couple decides to divorce, one of the more contentious arguments that may ensue
usually involves who gets what. Many residents of Minnesota may think that this
disagreement would only arise when it comes to personal property.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case. If the divorcing couple has
children, there is also always the question of who will get legal and physical child custody.
In
Minnesota, the terms of child custody are determined based upon the best
interests of the child. However, this does not mean that the terms will not
give rise to a child custody dispute. The best way to approach this is for each
individual to make a decision as to what it is they want when it comes to child
custody and parenting time.
In terms
of legal and physical custody, there is always the option for joint custody.
However, if a joint agreement is not in the best interests of the child, the
judge may decide that is not the direction that should be taken.
Joint
legal custody means that both parents work together to make decisions regarding
the child's schooling, church, medical care and more. Joint physical custody
means that the children spend roughly equivalent amounts of time with each
parent. However, the amount of time spent with each parent determines the
amount of child support that one must pay the other, if any. In Minnesota and
in any state, legal guidelines provide for the amount of this payment to be
calculated.
When a
divorcing couple decides to share parenting time and co-parent together, there
are a few strategies that can help make them successful co-parents. First of
all, it is important to make sure the children know that their parents love
them. This will help them adjust more easily to divorce. Second, consistency is
key. Consistent schedules and rules across households will make everyone's
lives easier. Finally, the parents need to set a good example for the children
when it comes to problem solving and cooperating with each other.
If
co-parenting is the ultimate child custody decision, these pointers will help
parents to ensure that they are successfully raising their children without
allowing the divorce to have an excessively negative impact on their lives.
Source: American
News Report, "How to Handle ChildCustody in a Divorce," Oct. 8, 2013
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