Children, oftentimes, want to please their parents. However, this gets challenging when kids are involved in a contentious divorce. Parental decisions about child support, visiting rights, and custody are frequently contentious. Children are already confused by these changes, so making them choose sides makes them feel worse and stresses them out more.
That said, there may be instances where children can be left to decide which parent they want to stay with. Here's what you need to know about that, as handled by our prescreened Los Angeles Child Custody Attorneys:
How Children Are Involved In California Child Custody Proceedings
Many laws are in place in California to safeguard children's interests after a divorce. To the extent possible, the court will provide joint custody and let the kid receive support payments from both parents. Determining the best interests of the children and making sure they are receiving adequate support in a stable setting after the divorce are the responsibilities of the parents and the court.
When Is A Child Able To Speak For Themselves In California Custody Battles?
Even though there is no legal provision allowing children to choose their custody arrangement, most California courts consider 14 an appropriate age for children to communicate their preferences for one parent over the other.
However, the courts also consider that adolescence can be difficult and that a child may act out severely to deal with a divorce. So the court will pay attention, but it won't take anything the child said at face value.
There are situations when cases need to be reviewed even after custody has been decided. For instance, a couple's joint custody arrangement might be successful.
However, if one of the adults is transferred for a few months because of their employment, they can discover that their ex-spouse no longer wants to share custody when they return. The courts will decide on a new custody arrangement and weigh the child's viewpoint once more.
What If A Child Prefers One Parent Over The Other?
When a child is involved, the courts must step in. Children typically behave emotionally. They may claim they prefer to live with one parent over the other for reasons that have nothing to do with the child and everything to do with the parents.
As a child gets older and experiences a divorce, their parents' opinions also evolve. The reactions they display can be rather intense, as any parent who has raised an adolescent knows. The court must decide what is in the child's best interest and make tough choices that will impact them in the long term. Parents must cooperate to raise their children with respect even when they reside in different homes.
It's crucial to set personal feelings aside and act in a way that avoids the need for the courts to get involved. The ideal situation for the parents and the child is one in which these beneficial relationships exist. Before you end up in court, seek advice from a lawyer. Your best option is to use this divorce mediation before the case is heard and determined.
What Can You Do As A Parent In A Contentious Divorce In California?
Divorce can be hard on both the children and the parents. So you want to ensure you're filing the proper paperwork, talking to the right people, finding evidence, and managing your tasks accordingly. A family law attorney in Los Angeles may help you with these tasks and represent you in negotiations and court days.
Find Prescreened Child Custody Lawyers In Los Angeles
Find a trusted Los Angeles family lawyer! 1000Attorneys can refer you to a prescreened California Attorney that can best handle your unique California family law concerns. Contact us through our 24/7 live chat (or complete our case details submission form) for a free initial consultation.
0 Comments