In a child custody hearing, the judge will ask several questions to determine which child custody arrangement will work for the best interest of the child. There are two main types of custody arrangements, including sole or joint custody.
Between the two, the law presumes that joint custody is in the best interest of the child. The court believes that allowing the child to maintain close contact with both parents will provide the child with the stability needed to grow more self-reliant, confident, and independent.
However, a child custody battle is often a stressful and emotionally draining experience not only for the parents but also for the child. One of the factors that the judge will look into in granting joint custody is whether or not each parent will communicate, cooperate or agree on issues regarding the child’s needs. If you’re fighting for the joint custody of your child, it’s important to prove that you are a cooperative parent.
Some of the parental responsibilities where parents have to make important decisions will include where the kids will go to school, whether their child will undergo a specific surgery, and other aspects of upbringing. As a parent wanting access to your child, you should demonstrate to the court that you have a good relationship with your spouse even after separation and there will be no problem negotiating these terms with your ex.
Considering that separation is already difficult for the child, the court will have to prevent further disagreement during post-separation scenarios. If you’re a parent fighting for access to your child, it’s important to demonstrate your willingness to cooperate with the other parent regarding decision-making. If you have further questions, feel free to call us at 505-880-8737 or email us at info@JusticeLegalGroup.com. We will gladly address all of your concerns.