For divorcing parents in Pennsylvania, settling on a child custody and visitation arrangement is often the central issue in the divorce proceeding. When parents part ways, they must have a plan for sharing parenting time. The pick-ups and drop-offs that will be necessary to fulfill the parenting plan must be arranged as well. If parents do not get along with each other, there is a great potential for conflict during child custody exchanges.
Common custody and visitation issues
When Pennsylvania parents of young children have ended their marriage, there are some common issues that sometimes arise regarding custody and visitation. While many matters can often be resolved with a discussion, some may necessitate a return to court.
When is reasonable visitation a good option?
Philadelphia parents who are going through a divorce and who are determining custody have different visitation options to consider, and each particular situation will determine which option is best for the family. For some couples, a judge might establish that the non-custodial parent is entitled to reasonable visitation. In this case, the relationship between the ex-spouses is very central to making the visitation schedule work.
How to resolve parenting conflicts after divorce
Pennsylvania parents who are divorced might run into disagreements about issues regarding their children. When these conflicts are about issues like children's activities, litigation is often not the best choice. It can be expensive, and judges may resist being dragged into such conflicts. Parents may want to look into other options if they cannot resolve the conflict by talking to one another.
Domestic violence and child custody
Unfortunately, domestic violence is sometimes a factor in Pennsylvania divorce cases. The fact that a spouse is the victim of abuse can make negotiations more difficult. One area that is particularly impacted by domestic violence is child custody.
Resolving parental conflicts after divorce
Divorced Pennsylvania parents might have conflicts over issues such as how much time one child spends playing video games. Most therapists believe that parents should try to be consistent in their rules between households. A parent who objects to the amount of time the other parent allows the child to spend on gaming might wonder how to curb that behavior.
Choosing where the child will live after a divorce
When Pennsylvania parents decide to get a divorce, most courts attempt to split the time both get with their child as evenly as possible. Even if the child primarily lives with one parent, the other parent usually gets a certain amount of time as well. In these cases, the court may have to decide who the child will primarily live with.
Maintaining relationships with children virtually
When a couple divorces or one parent relocates, it can be hard for the noncustodial parent to keep in contact with a child or children. However, maintaining a relationship with a child is important. Parents in Pennsylvania and other states could use virtual visitation to stay in touch with a child when spending time together in person is difficult.
Child visitation following divorce
When Pennsylvania parents get divorced, it's important for both parties to create a parenting plan that take the needs of the child into account. A consistent visitation schedule can allow children to have a relationship with both parents and help them regain a sense of stability following the dissolution of their parents' marriage. However, sometimes problems can occur, especially when the ex-spouses are not on good terms with one another.
Pet custody in divorce
When a Pennsylvania couple divorces, frequent areas of dispute include custody of the children and property division. Another, although less well-known, area of conflict is pet custody. Cats, dogs and other domestic animals can become unwitting pawns in the breakup of a marriage.
