A divorce can make everyone’s lives a little more difficult, but when your divorce involves children, you should still be doing what’s in their best interests. You might have to spend less time with them than you do now, but barring situations involving violence, drugs or other issues, there’s no reason that you should not get to see your child as they grow up.
Some parents find themselves in contentious situations where the other parent wants to pursue sole legal and physical control over their children. As a parent who is fighting for access, you need to understand your rights and to take a strong stance against allowing the other parent to keep your children from you.
Understanding the parent-child bond to do what’s right for your children
Children and their parents have a bond that is like no other. While one parent may be trying to sever that bond between their children and their ex-spouse, that is very unfair to the other parent. Both parents played a role in raising the children before, so that should continue so long as it is safe for the children.
What is in your children’s best interests? That largely depends on your children’s needs. If you have a daughter who wants to stay with her mother 75% of the time but a son who wants to live with you 75% of the time, splitting up your time might make sense. If the other parent is speaking badly about you or trying to pit your children against you, fighting for primary control over the visitation schedule and all access may be reasonable.
It’s up to you to decide what you think is fair, but the court is going to want to see that the parent-child relationship is maintained whenever possible.
Prepare your case and protect your parental rights
You do deserve the opportunity to be in your children’s lives. With your attorney, you can build a case to help you get the access that you want, so you’re there to see all of your children’s special moments as they grow under your care following your divorce.