Successful co-parenting for Massachusetts couples
Many parents share the same hopes and dreams for their children. They will do whatever they can to ensure that their children have whatever they need to be happy and successful. Even if the parents decide that they no longer want to be together, they still remained focused on providing for their children.
When these couples break-up or decide to get divorced, it is possible that they will be unable to find child custody and parenting time schedules that work for both parties. This means that the matter may have to be decided by the courts, and its ruling can sometimes leave both parents struggling to remain actively involved with the child.
In Massachusetts, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. This means the court will examine several different factors, and issue a ruling based on what it believes to be most beneficial for the child. While the parents will be allowed to present evidence that demonstrates why they should have custody, the court is tasked with making the final decision that must be honored by both sides.
However, the court’s ruling often leads to additional problems, as the individuals may have difficulty working with the agreements that are put in place. There may be leftover emotions which may result in the two parents being unable to get along.
If this happens, unfortunately, it is the child that will end up being affected the most. Parents need to understand that the child needs both of them in his or her life. If one person is being shut out, this can have a tremendous impact upon the child.
To ensure that this does not happen, parents must commit to communicating with one another when issues arise. While these can be extremely difficult conversations, they are necessary to ensure effective co-parenting. When situations change, parents need to be flexible, and adapt to these changes for the sake of the child.
In some situations, one of the parents may need to seek changes to the custody or visitation schedules. They will have to petition the court to show why these changes should be made, and this can be a difficult hurdle to overcome.
Remaining involved in a child’s life is extremely important to both parents. If you have questions about a child custody matter or modification of an existing agreement, you should discuss your case with an experienced family law attorney.
An attorney can review the facts of your case, and help you understand some of the things that a court may examine when making a decision. This will help you focus on the issues that are most important to you, and allow you to provide a stable environment for the child while the case is ongoing.