It’s not easy after splitting up, especially if it was caused by a breach of trust such as infidelity, to cooperate in parenting. Child custody relocation isn't uncommon following a divorce or separation. Research supports that in low-conflict divorces, children fare better in joint custody arrangements than sole custody.2However, for high-conflict divorces with disputing parents, joint physical custody may trap children in the middle of an emotional conflict zone.2. How important is geographical stability to your children? Fathers who have lost custody, especially those fathers who also come with an unhealthy dose of narcissism, may bide their time and find any excuse to gain more time or even custody. Circumstances and emotions may make it impossible to settle disputes outside of a courtroom.5 When family courts and judges need to make decisions about child custody and visitation rights, they consider what is in the best interest of the child. Every state has its own statutes allowing grandparents, step-parents, foster parents, caretakers a legal right to maintain a relationship with children. This gives a couple a chance to come up with a resolution instead of having a judge impose an order on the family. According to DivorcePeers.com the majority of child custody cases are not decided by the courts. Logistically, this can be less stressful for both the children and the parents, especially when it comes to schools, neighbors, and friendships.3, However, this arrangement is arguably less “equal” than joint physical custody because the children no longer live with the noncustodial parent.3The noncustodial parent may feel like a “visitor” in the children’s lives over time and visitation may seem like playtime rather than meaningful daily bonds.3. Awareness and Prevention. It’s important to realize you’re not alone, and there are professionals that can help guide you through the emotional process. In California, that is age 18. In the initial mediation meeting, the mediator explains the overall process. By making unilateral decisions as to when and how you will or will not follow orders, you not only give the father a reason to take you back to Court but you may face, depending on your State’s laws, contempt proceedings. But some states restrict court-ordered visitations only to grandparents, and only under a strict set of conditions. The court does a background check of the petitioner, arranges interviews and sometimes home inspections, and then a judge makes the decision in the best interest of the child. Generally in most states, both parents continue to have joint legal custody after divorce, meaning both parents have equal rights to make child-rearing decisions. We provide advice about divorce law, divorce lawyers, family law, custody, support and other divorce related issues along with a directory of divorce professionals. Will it be difficult for your children to cope with sole physical custody? Physical custody is the right to have your children live with you after a divorce. How important is it for you to be an integral part of your children’s life? If you have been through a child custody battle and you rightfully got sole custody, it’s time to move forward, not fall into old traps or look back. After everything you’ve been through you are probably wondering how in the world to process this request. Parents can reach a child custody agreement through private negotiations, with or without the help of attorneys. Be child-focused and centered: The father may try to bring you into arguments. You’ll need a very good reason, however, and you should be specific about what you’re asking … You should at least try. Finally, the mediator will prepare a written agreement to be finalized in court. Grandparents, step-parents, caretakers, and others involved with a visitation struggle should understand the issue is state-specific and courts have made contradictory rulings in the past. It is not abnormal for a child to display behavior issues after their parents get divorced or … Violation of visitation rights can have serious consequences. Today, more than 23 million American children live in a single-parent household.1 If you are going through a divorce and have children younger than 18, child custody will be a contentious issue in the process. Parents may choose to negotiate amongst themselves and hire attorneys to finalize agreements, or the parties may negotiate their positions through a representative attorney. That is exactly why you have to be vigilant with co-parenting issues. Be smart. A situation with the magnitude of your child’s custody should not be taken lightly, and finding the right attorney is not an expense to cut corners with. Even when you're facing tough economic times and feel you literally have no other choice, be sure to weigh the following considerations before you relocate with your kids: Four Questions You Must Ask Before Filing for Divorce. Has your child approached you asking if they can spend more time with or live with your former spouse? How far will you and your ex-spouse live apart? Was it the father’s endangerment of the children, domestic violence, or substance abuse? No matter the nature of your divorce, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney. Divorce and custody battles can become a quagmire and the innocent child gets caught up in the legal and psychological warfare between both parents. Generally in most states, both parents continue to have joint legal custody after divorce, meaning both parents have equal rights to make child-rearing decisions. Since 1996 Divorce Magazine has been the Internet's leading website on divorce and separation. Relieve their sense of guilt by not using them as leverage or bargaining chips in the custody process. Use of and access to this article or any of the links contained within the article do not create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the user or browser. Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.