For those going through divorce mediation, one topic the couple may need to address is coming up with a custody solution. They may also want to work on creating a parenting plan. Agreeing on how they want to co-parent and work together to raise their children can help things go much more smoothly after the divorce has been finalized.
One important thing to remember at this time is that the couple should address both physical and legal custody of their children. These things do not have to be divided in the same way, although they can both be shared. How are they different, and what does this mean for the divorce?
Living situations versus major decisions
To begin with, living situations are determined by physical custody. For instance, the parents may agree to share custody of their child. To do so, they will exchange custody every other week. In other situations, one parent may have visitation rights or see the child periodically, while that child lives with the other parent most of the time.
On the other hand, major decisions are governed by legal custody. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the parents have to make those decisions at the time of the divorce. But it means they both have a legal right to make choices about healthcare, education, religion and similar matters.
One of the most important things to remember is that parents who share custody have to work jointly to make these decisions. If one parent has sole custody, that is when they have the ability to make decisions on their own, without input from their co-parent.
The mediation process
If you’re a parent going through a divorce, all of these issues and more can be addressed through mediation. Just take the time to carefully look into the legal steps you’ll need to take.