Custody battles don't always have to be contentious. Reducing conflict in your custody case can help you reach a better outcome with your co-parent and enable your child to de-stress - which is what today's blog is all about.
To schedule a free consultation with our team for your custody battle, contact us online or via phone at (303) 647-4245.
If You're Not on Good Terms, Set Defined Boundaries
If you're dealing with a co-parent you have a difficult relationship with, you may find "negotiations" turning into fights more often than not.
Setting boundaries during custody disputes is important. Consider placing restrictions on when you and your co-parent can contact each other. Setting up an established, neutral meeting place - even if it's something like an attorney's office - and restricting all discussions about custody to that location, may also be a good idea.
The more you each adhere to the boundaries you set, the easier it may be to prevent confrontation during the case.
If you aren't living apart from one another, and it could be affordable to do so, you may also want to consider that as an option to reduce conflict during your custody dispute.
Always Meet with a Third Party Present
Having a neutral third party or two - such as your custody lawyers - be present during discussions may be a good idea.
At the end of the day, the court will be most concerned about your child's best interests. Your attorneys understand this, and can help you both maintain a more neutral, objective view on what a court will or won't consider acceptable in a custody arrangement.
Ensuring you meet on neutral ground, with a third party present to supervise things, is a great way to mitigate conflict during a custody battle.
Keep the Focus on Your Child's Well-Being
Like the court, you and your co-parent should try and set aside your personal vendettas to focus on your child's well-being.
Sure, some aspects of that discussion - such as whether your child should attend a private or public school - may come down to preference, but try and stick to the facts.
For example, discuss what schools are closest to both of you if each parent will be housing the child. Look at reviews and find which is purported to offer the best education. Attend school board meetings and see which school makes you both the most comfortable.
Negotiating a custody dispute is a matter of give and take. If your co-parent agrees to have your child participate in an extracurricular you like, show them respect by supporting one of their preferences.
The more you keep the focus on what's objectively best for your child, not what you each subjectively want for them, the easier it will be to ensure you reach an objectively great outcome on their behalf.
At the Law Office of Alexandra White, P.C., we'll help you find the best outcome in your custody dispute. To schedule a free consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (303) 647-4245.