Custody battles force families to make painful and heartbreaking choices. They can also exacerbate whatever acrimony exists between the two spouses. While it’s generally believed that the Divorce laws favor the wife in matters of Custody, “what’s best for the child” is the court’s focal point of consideration. Once you make the decision to divorce and there are children involved, you have to remember that you are likely going to have to deal with your ex on some level until the child is old enough to make their own decisions. In order to maintain a positive relationship with your children, consider the following.

Careers Can Be a Double-Edged Sword

Divorced parents are frequently caught in that balancing act between time and money. While a judge wants to know that the child will be taken care of by the primary custodian, money is only part of the equation. It’s important for parents petitioning for full custody to prove that they have time to devote to the child’s care and upbringing. Your new custody arrangement may require cutting back on hours or changing your schedule at work. This is something you will need to discuss with your boss and colleagues.

Character Counts

Things like crime, drug use and infidelity are definite red flags in divorce court. If you’ve engaged in this kind of behavior in the past, it’s important to illustrate to the judge that you’re totally committed to caring for your child. In such a high-stakes battle where either party will do what they can to win, chances are your past will be used against you by your ex. Be sure to disclose all questionable parts of your past to your attorney so they can be ready.

Doing What’s Best for the Child Is Not “Giving Them Away”

You’re not a bad person if you admit your limitations. The fact that you want your child to have a stable home environment while they’re enjoying their time with you in no way makes you an unfit mother or father. In many respects, it can actually make the time you have with your children all the more special. No matter how you decide to pursue custody of your children, be sure to enlist the services of an experienced divorce attorney.

The attorneys at Graziano & Flynn have been helping clients fight for custody of their children for years. Call us today to learn how we can help you.