Handling Child Custody Decisions on Your Own
When it comes to seeking a divorce when you have children, child custody is something that always comes into play. Reaching a decision on child custody with your ex-spouse may be able to help you avoid taking the divorce to trial. This can save a lot of time and money in the long run because some divorce cases can be lengthy. There are various ways you and your ex-spouse can reach an agreement on child custody without going to court. However, if you have any questions about child custody, be sure to consult with an Oklahoma Family Lawyer for guidance.
Common Child Custody Conflicts
The two main types of child custody are legal custody and physical custody. Full legal custody means a parent has full control over legal decisions for the child involving medical consent, schooling, religion, and similar areas. A parent with full physical custody is the parent who raises the child in their home while the noncustodial parent sees the child during visitation hours. Some noncustodial parents may not be granted visitation hours depending on the circumstances.
Conflicts on whether the parents should receive full custody or joint custody are common. Joint custody means both parents may share legal or physical custody over the child. Full custody means only one parent is granted these rights. Parents may disagree on who is best fit to raise the child or make legal decisions.
For example, your ex-spouse may argue that you should not have sole custody of the child. You may want joint custody, but since your spouse disagrees, the only resolution is to take the case to court. Or maybe you agree with your ex-spouse having full custody, but disagree on the proposed visitation hours. If any of these matches your situation, do not panic. There are alternatives to a divorce trial.
Resolving Custody Conflicts on Your Own
Talking to your lawyer about your situation can help in some cases. Your lawyer may be able to convince your ex-spouse or your ex-spouse’s lawyer to agree to your terms for child custody. However, if this repeatedly fails you may want to consider alternative dispute resolutions.
Alternative dispute resolutions are designed to help you avoid a divorce trial and often consist of mediation or facilitation. These usually result in faster resolutions for both parties. In general, these resolutions involve neutrals who are chosen by the court or by you and your ex-spouse. Neutrals are trained to help you resolve any conflicts with your ex-spouse related to the divorce.
Mediation is a more common type of resolution strategy that uses a mediator who is trained on how to help you and your ex-spouse understand each other’s points of view. Each side is allowed to speak, and the mediator helps each person come to a compromise.
Divorce Lawyer in Oklahoma
Working out conflicts on your own with your ex-spouse about important issues like child custody can often feel hopeless. Talk to an Oklahoma Divorce Lawyer if you are unable to come to an agreement. Contact the Putnam Law Office today at (405)-849-9149 for a consultation. Mr. Putnam is an Oklahoma City, OK attorney who is dedicated to his clients.
