Many North Carolina dads headed toward divorce are particularly worried about losing their close connection to their children. In fact, some stay in marriages that they otherwise would have left long before in order to protect their relationships with their kids. While divorce can be a daunting time for everyone involved, it does not have to mean a reduced relationship or closeness with one’s children.
One of the most essential tools for a successful divorce is knowledge about the custody and visitation options available as well as solid proposals for moving forward. Joint, shared and sole child custody are all options for divorcing families to consider, and there are a number of different types of shared living, custody and visitation schedules that may work for a particular family. While every solution is individualized, having a proposal in mind can help in developing a parenting plan.
A parenting plan can be developed by mutual agreement between both parents and their lawyers in order to meet the needs of the family for custody, visitation and scheduling the children’s lives. This kind of plan can be approved by a judge and carry the weight of a court order. In more contested situations, parents can make their arguments before a judge to secure an order. But when parents are able to work together and be flexible despite the end of their marriage, the children can benefit from a positive co-parenting relationship.
A good parenting plan is one that meets the needs of the children as well as the employment situations of both parents. Flexibility is often key because co-parents will need to work together for scheduling, medical situations and educational needs for many years to come. A family lawyer can be an essential part of the child custody process, both in representing and advocating for a father’s rights and in ensuring that the final plan meets the requirements of state law.