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How to Broach the Emotive Issue of Child Custody

Issues surrounding child custody are rarely a cakewalk. These discussions between separated partners are often emotive and complex, causing a great deal of stress and uncertainty to all involved.

If you’re someone that’s preparing to commence negotiations over the custody of your children with a former spouse or partner, this article may help you to define a strategy which can foster amicable dialogue and ease tensions throughout the process.

Your child’s best interests are the number-one priority

Before we go any further, it cannot be overstated the importance of placing your kids at the front and centre of any child custody discussions. The sole focus of your negotiations should be about securing an arrangement that works in the best interests of your little ones.

Although it can be easy to hold onto personal grievances or desires, a selfless approach is what’s needed to ensure your child’s routines and needs are met week in, week out. Seeing your parents split up is not easy for a child at any age, especially impressionable ages. So be sure to put their emotional stability first when negotiating.

Do your best to approach these discussions with a clear mind

It’s normal to feel a sense of anxiety or upset at having to need these discussions. Take time to process your own thoughts and feelings and seek a soundboard from a friend or family member before it all begins; just so you know that your approach is the right one for your children.

During the negotiation stage, try hard to communicate with respect and clarity for all parties. Express your feelings and concerns without appearing inflammatory. Be sure to listen to the perspective of your former spouse or partner and address their feelings or concerns. In doing so, you’re demonstrating a desire to collaborate to reach a solution that works for all concerned.

Seek professional, third-party guidance

In several instances, it can be prudent to involve a neutral third-party to facilitate discussions and mediate wherever necessary. These third-parties will be well-versed in the emotive nature of child custody and can ensure all voices are heard and respected.

It’s also prudent to enlist the services of child custody lawyers, who can work with you to draw up a legally binding child arrangement order that works in the best interests of you and your children. These orders are issued by the court and can cover everything from where and when a child will live with each parent through to when alternative forms of communication can happen.

Focus on an end goal of long-term cooperation

Ultimately, any child custody arrangement needs to be sustainable. It should be designed with long-term cooperation at the heart of it. Co-parenting doesn’t need to be a battle, so long as you both go into it on the same page regarding your kids.

Maintaining an amicable relationship with your former spouse or partner can also have a positive impact on your children, helping them to feel loved and reassured after a time of unprecedented instability.

With careful preparation, respectful lines of communication and a focus on your kids’ best interests, it’s possible to for child custody negotiations to be productive and cordial.

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