When California parents get a divorce, they might need to be particularly careful about ensuring that their children spend enough time with their father. In some cases, if the child lives with the mother and the parents are not diligent, a child's relationship with the father can suffer.
Resolving conflict in a joint custody arrangement
California parents who are getting a divorce might wonder whether shared parenting would work for them or if it would be disruptive for their children. Some people might think that because they are in a high-conflict relationship, they will be unable to manage shared parenting. However, studies show that neither of these assumptions is true.
Child support enforcement moves toward centralized system
Child support enforcement can be a constant source of stress and confusion for single parents in California as well as the government agencies charged with overseeing the efforts. When parents do not receive their court-mandated support payments, raising children can be difficult. However, many states do not have the modern technology necessary to keep the system functioning well. In this context, the federal government is preparing to develop a nationally networked system for child support enforcement across the United States.
Kelis wants more child support from Nas after sharing custody
Some California parents of minor children might relate to the celebrity child support and custody battles that frequently play out in the headlines. Singer and songwriter Kelis has filed a court petition requesting an increase in child support payments for her young son. The father, hip-hop recording artist Nas, currently pays $8,000 a month to his ex-wife to cover the child's expenses.
Thinking of the children during a divorce
California residents who are going through a divorce may want to keep their children in mind as it moves along. Failing to shield them from the more painful aspects of the split could cause issues today and during adulthood. One way to resolve custody issues is to assume that each parent should have equal time with the children as a starting point for negotiations.
Parents can choose from many types of child custody arrangements
Parents in California who are getting a divorce might wonder about the different models of child custody that are available. First, parents should understand that there are two types of custody. Physical custody has to do with where the child lives. Legal custody concerns which parent has the ability to make important decisions about the child's life regarding issues such as religion, education and health care. One parent may have sole legal and physical custody of the child, or the parents may share joint custody in some way.
