Although being a parent can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences, it can also be one of life’s biggest challenges. It goes without saying that divorce complicates parenthood, often with disputes about child custody and co-parenting that are a mix of law and emotion.
When parents divorce, both should have uppermost in their minds that the dissolution of their marriage means that you are ending your relationship with your spouse, not your children. You will no longer be husband and wife, but you will always be a parent to your kids.
Best interests of your kids
One of the most important duties you will have in divorce is to protect the best interests of your children – a responsibility you share with the other parent and with the Hernando County court.
One of the best ways you can protect your child is to sit down with your family law attorney and work out a parenting plan that includes both parents. Then work with your attorney on an agreement with your soon-to-be-former spouse that reduces the emotional stress on the kids while allowing mom and dad to share parenting time, responsibilities and child-rearing expenses.
Minimizing harm
The Florida Bar Association says that “by coming to an agreement on parenting issues, you and your spouse avoid or minimize harm to the children and avoid a court fight.” It should be noted that avoiding court battles also means that you will keep expenses in check.
Remember, too, that if you and your spouse can’t come to an agreement on parenting, a Florida court will do it for you – an outcome that might make both parents unhappy.