Deciding Who Should Get Custody? The mission: to plan a practical way to care for the child, with each parent pursuing the responsibilities they have had in the past. Where to begin? A frank discussion of traditional influences exercised in the past by each parent would be the best place to start. If the discussion never amounts to anything more than exchanging volleys of "I always did this, you never did that", in the end the entire purpose of the conversation will be defeated. Each parent needs to acknowledge the other's contributions made in rearing the child. It is important to give proper credit where credit is due. In short, nothing less than a positive atmosphere should prevail. The entire purpose of the conversation is to hopefully find the answer to the most important question- what custody arrangements are in "the best interests of our child?" In some instances the answer discovered might leave one parent happier than the other, but under no circumstances should the focus ever be allowed to deviate from that most important question. In order to ease the parent's burden, it is often suggested that counseling be sought and/or books be read concerning child custody issues and disputes. How will the child be reared? At this point a plan should be drafted to make certain that parties have communicated clearly. This will eliminate any lingering or potential misunderstandings that may arise in the future. Feelings of competitiveness or selfishness are not unnatural, but must not be allowed to influence any important decisions that are made. Seeking the advice of a good friend or a counselor are two avenues available to guard against these very human emotions. Proper custody arrangements are for the child's benefit, never for that of the parents! Who will have custody? Once a plan has been mutually agreed upon, the question of custody arrangements should fall into line. There are many different types of child custody, both legal and physical, so there are a wide variety of options available to deal with all situations. If you plan to obtain joint custody it is vital that both parties be very flexible, and always take the future into consideration. Return to the Child Custody Page

Divorce Financial Planning - How You Benefit - Contact Us - Privacy Notice

The ADFP does not endorse, support or recommend specific members. It is your responsibility to carefully research, interview and identify competent and trustworthy professionals before you hire one. All ADFP members are independent practitioners and most are certified, licensed and/or approved by a recognized Board, Agency or State Licensing Authority. This information is provided to the ADFP by each member annually and the ADFP does not validate member credentials. You should verify such credentials with the appropriate granting authorities, including but not limited to public, private, and state licensing boards. As independent practitioners, each member maintains his/her own fee schedule, business practice, location, and credentials. Practitioners listed on this website are current, paid-in-full ADFP members, in good standing. If a divorce practitioner is not listed on this website, please contact the ADFP directly to confirm his/her membership in the ADFP at 1-800-270-1886 or by contacting the president directly.

Because of the possible unanticipated changes in governing statutes and case law relating to the application of the information contained on this website, the authors and creators and any and all persons or entities involved in any way in preparation of the website disclaim all responsibility for the legal effects or consequences of the interpretation of the information provided. Individuals intending to use divorceandfinance.com as an information resource should seek advice from family law professionals and experts. This website was not created and made available with the intention that it be used to procure aid in any legal matters in any jurisdiction.

© Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved, Association of Divorce Financial Planners, Inc.
Comments & Suggestions
Maintained & Hosted by Maknet Corporation