22 Aug Top 3 Considerations for a Child Custody Agreement

If you and your partner have children and are going through a divorce, the biggest concern you will likely face is: Who will get custody of the kids? It’s not always the court’s decision. That’s a decision that you and your partner can make if you can agree to a plan and schedule. However, if you two cannot negotiate, then the court has to step in and you both could lose.

Negotiating a solid child custody agreement can be challenging. Read on to learn about the top three considerations.

Type of Custody Arrangement

The most common types of custody are sole and joint custody. Most parents decide to work together in raising their child. This is called joint custody. If, however, you feel the other parent is incapable of raising the child – through mental illness or some other reason – then you can attempt to pursue sole custody. This means that you would raise the child on your own.

Making the Custody Decision

Typically, it’s the parents who hold this power. They can agree on custody on their own outside of court. In fact, it’s in their best interest to do so. Through medication, the parents can agree on joint custody or have one parent be the primary caregiver to the child.

If the parents cannot come to an agreement, then the court will decide. The judge follows certain procedures and considers a set standard in order to arrive at a decision.

Factors and Preferences in Child Custody

The court will look at who currently acts as the child’s primary caregiver. Who spends more time with the child? The child’s best interests also come into play. If the child is older and has a preference as to who he or she wants to live with, that is taken into consideration as well.

Learn More About Child Custody Laws With New Jersey Attorney Jeffrey M. Bloom

Child custody can be a tricky thing to arrange with the other parent. You may want one type of agreement and your spouse may want something different. Plus, the courts want what’s best for the children. West New York family law attorney Jeffrey M. Bloom can help you create a viable child custody agreement that everyone can agree on. Call The Law Offices of Jeffrey M. Bloom for a consultation at (855) 208-3650.