Parents in California who have to go to a child custody hearing for the first time may be understandably nervous. However, there are some steps they can take to prepare for the hearing, present an effective case and possibly obtain the child custody terms that they desire.
How to construct a viable parenting plan
Having a thorough plan can make it easier for parents in California and elsewhere to raise their children after a divorce or separation. The plan should prioritize the needs of the children over what may be easier or more convenient for the parents. It should also be flexible enough to account for any scheduling or other changes that occur after it is agreed upon.
Dealing with the holidays after divorce
The holidays are one of the most difficult times for California families going through a divorce. Children as well as their parents will be dealing with a number of difficult emotions that range from anger to sadness. However, parents need to deal with these emotions in a way that allows them to make the children their priority.
Birdnesting creates transitional period for children of divorce
When parents in California divorce, they have more than their own emotional well-being to consider. They must guide their children through the transition, and birdnesting has emerged as a strategy that eases children into the reality that their parents will be caring for them separately. The concept involves keeping the children in the marital family home. The parents typically split their time between the children's home and an apartment shared with the ex-spouse. The parents essentially live separately as they trade spots on a rotating schedule.
Tips for fathers dealing with child custody and support
Some unmarried fathers in California might struggle to get custody of their children or pay child support. Although fathers are supposed to have equal rights along with mothers, over 80 percent of custodial parents are mothers. Fathers who don't pay child support might go to jail. Fathers may also be prevented from seeing their children because of protection orders or may struggle to get time with them because of paternity issues.
When getting divorced, honesty important for parents
It’s a phrase many people have heard since they were kids: “honesty is the best policy”. This bit of common wisdom is something that divorcing parents may especially want to take to heart. There are many contexts in which honesty is very important when gong though a divorce when a parent.
