Getting divorced can be a complicated legal issue, even more so if you have children in your home.
Therefore, you should know your rights and the procedures involved for when it comes to divorce and what happens with your children.
Whether it’s a divorce or a legal separation, there will be major decisions that have to be made for the children. Such as who will have legal responsibilities for issues such as medical care and school attendance. Of course, we also have to look at the money side of things.
The Financials
When it comes to talking about the financials for divorce, it can be a messy situation if neither party can agree, from property and asset management to simple cash.
But one of the more serious points is about child support. If your children are considered minors, then the two parents will have to agree on a financial plan for them up until they turn either 18 or 21, depending on circumstances.
If you cannot agree on a plan outright, then it will be time for the courts to decide matters after hearing both sides. So really, it’s best if the two parents can end things amicably and agree in the best interests for the child.
The agreements can be adjusted by courts if parents have any concerns or issues they wish to raise, but try to speak to each other about it before going straight to court.
Child Custody
When getting divorced, one of the main things you have to consider is about the safety of welfare of your children.
This is where child custody agreements come into place. When you divorce you can’t just separate and have your kids going back and forth without a plan. This can be potentially dangerous and upsetting to a child.
Therefore, you should seek legal counsel. You should seek representation that has not just yours, but your kids, best interests at heart. Fullenweider Wilhite is an award-winning child custody law firm in Houston, TX, who deal with matters like this every single day, with a proven track record.
Usually, one parent will receive more exclusive custody for minor children, with the other getting regular visitation rights. There are a few different ways this can be handled, but both parents should absolutely have an attorney to represent them to get the best outcome for their children.
Where They Will Live
Relating to child custody, following a divorce, you’ll have to find a new place to live, unless you’ve decided to stay in your former family home.
This means when potentially choosing somewhere to live, you need to consider if it’s suitable for your child, either on a permanent position or temporary for visits.
This can affect court proceedings too. If one partner has secured themselves a home, whilst the other hasn’t, they are much more likely to get prioritized in agreements as it shows a sense of much more responsibility.
Not only that, but your child should be happy with where they end up staying. If possible, try to make the environment feel familiar in small ways so that the adjustments and changes aren’t too dramatic.