Child custody can cause a lot of conflict, even when parents get along. Even if you and your spouse agree to share custody, deciding how to do so isn’t always simple.
For most people, child custody arrangements can be made by looking at their schedules and the child’s activities. Here are a few factors that you may want to consider when setting up your parenting schedule.
1. Your work schedules
The first thing you and your spouse need to consider is your work schedules. If you are both working 9-to-5 jobs, there’s a legitimate need for a third party to care for your children or for one of you to change your work hours. On the other hand, if you’ve always worked on opposite shifts, it might be easy to see who has time to watch the kids each day of the week.
2. Your children’s schooling and events
The next thing to look at is your children’s schooling and events. You want to make sure that whichever parent can be there is able to be, so that the kids aren’t missing out on important parts of their education.
3. Other familial responsibilities
Seeing grandparents, celebrating special holidays and going to annual events might also be important in your children’s lives. Make sure you and your spouse discuss those situations and decide how to care for your children in those circumstances.
In the end, only you know the exact factors that will impact your custody arrangements. Take the time to create a plan that will benefit your children so they grow up health and happy.
