When a child has two parents who are able and willing to provide physical, emotional, and financial support, as well as a loving and stable living environment, New York courts will do whatever it can to make sure that both parents remain an important part of the child’s life after the divorce.
One way to do this is to grant joint legal and physical custody. This means that both parents will share time with the child and make decisions relating to the child’s upbringing. However, sharing custody is not easy, even when you get along with your ex.
One challenge you may face as you begin your coparenting journey is disagreeing with your ex over child custody and parenting time.
How do I handle arguments over parenting time?
You love your child very much and want to spend as much time with them as possible. So does your ex. Fighting over who should have more time with the child is a reoccurring argument for many newly divorced parents.
However, keep in mind that it is in the child’s best interest to maintain a healthy relationship with both of their parents. Keeping your child all to yourself may make you happy, but it is probably not what is best for your child.
The best way to handle parenting time disputes is to come up with a parenting plan that you and your ex both agree to and submit to the court for approval. The plan should answer important custody-related questions, including:
- How will you share time with the child during the school year?
- How will you share time with the child on weekends, holidays, birthdays, school breaks, and other special occasions?
- How will you handle vacations?
- How will pickups/drop-offs be handled?
- How will you/your ex communicate with the child when you are not with them?
- How should schedule changes be proposed?
- How should conflicts be handled?
Coming up with a parenting plan that works for your family is not easy. A family law attorney can help make sure your child is protected throughout the divorce process, while also representing your interests every step of the way.