Tag Archives: divorced parents

3 Divorce Concerns Involving Children

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Many divorces can become a battle of wills, power grabs, or drawn-out mud-slinging dramas. However, when children are involved, the already complicated procedure can quickly become even more complex. With each parent wanting what they believe is right for the child, looking into the future with different viewpoints, and each seeking physical custody, the divorce process can become exacerbated and lengthy. Here are three divorce concerns involving children.

1. Child Custody

There are three types of child custody, although there can be combinations of the three, as well. Legal custody gives a parent the authority to make decisions about critical moments in the child’s life, such as education or religion. Physical custody places the child into the home and under the supervision of one parent while providing visitation rights to the other parent. Joint custody creates an equal guardianship with equal responsibilities and rights over the child for each parent, and often the child moves between homes during the year.

2. Child Support

Child support is frequently a hotly contested amount of money paid by the non-custodial parent for the rearing and benefit of the child. Most people don’t understand that both parents pay to support the needs of the child. One provides food, housing, and clothing, while the other parent pays money toward filling those same needs. If you have questions, your attorney can help you understand any legal child support Yorktown Heights NY concerns you may have.

3. Child Protection

Although rare, there are times when it may not be safe for a child to live with or come into contact with a parent. Should concerns about this type of scenario arise during divorce proceedings, the court will provide protection for the children through investigations or state agency protection. The child’s safety is always the most important part of the legal dealings in divorce cases.

Protecting, supporting, and the custody of children during and after a divorce can make the legal experience more intense. Still, with patience and understanding, your attorney and the court can provide our child with the best possible future.

3 Things You Should Know About Guardian Ad Litems

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If you are in the unfortunate circumstance of going through a custody battle and are contemplating the engagement of a GAL, there are some things you should know. Divorces are hard, traumatic even, especially for children. Working with your ex-spouse can be immensely challenging, but you should try to agree with them if it as at all possible. If you are unable to do so and must use GAL services Lynnwood WA, here are three things you should know. 

1. GALs Can Be Expensive

While GALs involved in cases involving child abuse or neglect may be a volunteer, those involved with divorces are often not. They are often attorneys themselves, and they expect to be paid. A GAL may charge a lower hourly rate than an attorney fee, but it can still be a couple of hundred dollars per hour. Remember, you and your ex-spouse have people representing you and they are representing the child’s best interests. 

2. GALs Are Nearly Always Listened To by the Judge

In a custody dispute, especially in a highly contentious divorce, both parties agree to the use of a guardian ad litem and who that person will be. For this reason, judges place great emphasis on their recommendation. If you disagree with a GAL’s recommendation, it is incredibly difficult to get a different outcome.

3. GALs Represent the Child

If you obtain GAL services, please be careful in your interactions with them. Be honest, don’t pester them, refrain from attacking the other side, and let them do their job. They have seen a lot, which is a good thing. Present your side, always demonstrate respectful behavior, love your child, and trust the process.

If at all possible, try to come to an agreement through yourselves, your attorneys, or mediation in matters about child custody, If you are unable to do so, or if you are in a highly contentious divorce, leverage a GAL.