Deciding to get a divorce when you and your partner have children together is not an easy decision but it’s sometimes necessary.
Even if you and your partner feel that your relationship would be better if you were no longer married, you still have to consider how the decision is going to affect your little ones. You need to figure out what the best steps are to keep your children as happy as possible during the ordeal.
Grounds for Divorce
When you are getting a divorce, you must have a justified reason for your separation, whether you have children or not. The rules for divorce may differ depending on your location and according to state laws.
Generally, if there are no reasonable grounds for divorce, you can opt for a legal separation. After two years of living apart, you can then file for divorce. If you choose to go this route, filing for divorce will be fairly straightforward after you have already gone through the legal separation.
Organizing Child Custody
When you have children, the main concern is who is going to get child custody. If the divorce was a two-way decision, you may be able to come to an agreement with your partner regarding the custody of your children.
However, if the split has been tumultuous, child custody lawyers may need to get involved. Your lawyers will be able to negotiate a custody plan that both parties agree on.
A child custody plan will detail which parent your child lives with and how much time your child gets with you and your partner. This will be detailed in a legally binding document that you will both be required to sign.
Agreeing On Child Custody
Once you and your partner have come to an agreement, you will need to sign all of the necessary documentation and will likely need to pay a fee. This fee may vary depending on your location and the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Your solicitor or divorce meditator will run through the exact details of your agreement so you know the specifics. If you don’t want your partner to have a say in certain aspects of your child’s upbringing, you may need to apply for additional court orders.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Divorce can take several months to complete and it may take even longer when you have children.
If you and your partner have been unable to come to an agreement and do you have hired lawyers and solicitors to resolve child custody issues, the process may be significantly delayed.
The quicker you and your partner can come to an agreement, the quicker the process will be. It’s important to consider how your child feels about this whole situation.
Divorce can have significant impacts on children. They won’t want to see their parents arguing and being unhappy, so it’s in your best interest to come to a resolution as quickly as possible.