What are the keys to successful shared parenting after a divorce in Louisville? How will the Court evaluate the parental skills of each parent and reach important decisions regarding child custody and parenting time during and after your divorce?
One of the most important keys in these cases involves communication. We often remind our clients that every communication, including voicemails, emails, texts, and notes, can become an important piece of evidence, especially in a case involving child custody. The Judge in your matter carefully evaluates and takes note of the manner with which the parties handle themselves at all times. The Judge is developing a perception of how each party will handle the responsibility of shared parenting after a divorce in Louisville and their trustworthiness. Therefore, it is essential to create advance strategies to ensure one manages the tone, content and delivery of all communications with a former (or soon to be former) spouse.
Take a moment before hitting the “send” key and ask yourself: “Am I willing to let the Judge, my boss, neighbors, coworkers, or even my kids read this now or in the future?” If not, don’t send it. Voicemails are especially risky. It is not uncommon for one party to receive a voicemail that really annoys them, resulting in a terse voicemail in return. Make sure you are prepared before choosing to read texts, listen to voicemail, or even accept an incoming call. The moment things begin to develop a negative tone, it should be an immediate cue to end the conversation immediately.
If the parties wish to share parenting responsibilities during and after a divorce, they must demonstrate their ability to do so while protecting the best interests of each child. This is not only true during the divorce process but in the months and years to come.
The most important thing to focus on is one of the guiding principles of Kentucky Family Law when it comes to any issue involving children: the best interests of each child. Ask yourself: “What is in the best interests of (child’s name)? What can I do to protect as much of this child’s existing rhythms, habits, and routines?” It is also important to remember that children grow and change as the months and years go by. Their needs are likely going to change as well. When one starts from the point of view of “what is the best interest of this child?” one is usually headed in the right direction.
The experienced divorce and family law attorneys at Dodd & Dodd have represented clients in child custody and divorce matters for decades. We can relate to what you’re going through, help you develop and implement strategies to protect your best interests as a parent, and work through each step in your divorce or child custody and parenting time matter.
Finally, shared parenting after a divorce in Louisville is going to involve unexpected developments and changes along the way. How will matters such as work conflicts, illness, or conflicting schedules between multiple children be managed? It is ok to miss a block of time here or there. However, if the other parent is not respecting your time with each child, it is essential to contact Dodd & Dodd immediately to re-assert and protect your interests.
Making minor changes in the parenting time schedule is fine here and there. When a future change is expected to become “permanent,” it is usually best to ask the Court to review and approve the change(s).
You can do this! You can accomplish your parenting goals during and after a Louisville divorce, and we can help. We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our former clients and the legal industry and contact Dodd & Dodd or call 502-584-1108 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.
