Settling divorce issues can range from simple decisions to complex discussions, depending on the relationship between the involved parties. If you and your former spouse cannot amicably agree regarding divorce-related concerns, a judge can intervene and finalize decisions based on information presented during proceedings.
Ideally, divorcing couples can collaborate to make arrangements that suit their family’s needs. However, the court has the final say, especially if the parents have conflicting preferences regarding child custody. Each child custody arrangement has their pros and cons, but the court considers various factors before granting joint custody, including the following:
- The capacity of each parent to collaborate and make decisions together
- Each parent’s custody-related preferences
- Each parent’s overall health
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s preferences
- Any adjustments that may disrupt the child’s life at home, school and community
- Logistics that may impact the custody arrangement, such as the location of each parent’s residence and their work schedules
Other considerations can apply, such as other children in the household and each parent’s financial capacities. A judge can also evaluate further details surrounding the family situation to determine what setup will be most beneficial to the child.
Deciding on a case-to-case basis
There is no one-size-fits-all arrangement when it comes to child custody. Sometimes, the divorcing couple is on good terms, making joint custody a viable option. Meanwhile, other cases can have details posing risks to the child, causing the judge to take various precautions to prioritize safety and security.
In these instances, having accurate and adequate information is crucial to the judge, who must finalize the decision. Thoroughly assessing the situation can help ensure the setup prioritizes the child’s best interests.