Parents in California headed for divorce may be concerned about how to minimize the effects of the split on their children. This is especially true when dealing with some of the more complex matters that accompany a divorce like child custody issues. When both parents want the maximum time with their children, custody concerns can be difficult to resolve. However, mutual dedication to a positive outcome for their children can help many divorcing parents work together to develop a parenting plan that sets the foundation for their co-parenting relationship.
Bird nesting could help children adjust to divorce
A new television show called "Splitting Up Together" offers a look at the concept of bird nesting. While it may be a comedy, the program could inspire divorcing parents in California to use this approach to keep the lives of their children stable. Bird nesting requires maintaining a family home where the children live all of the time. The parents then take turns residing there and providing child care.
Financial issues raised when older couples divorce
Older California couples may be more vulnerable to divorce than they were in the past. The divorce rate for couples over 50 has doubled since the 1990s. However, for people who have not handled the marital finances, divorce may be particularly difficult as they might be learning about financial matters for the first time in their lives.
Divorce mediation can help couples split peacefully
When a couple in California decides to end their marriage, a legal process is necessary to conclude the divorce. However, many couples wish to reach a solution that does not require litigation with its attendant expense and adversarial approach. Instead, these couples can opt to make use of divorce mediation in order to determine the terms of their separation and address the necessary issues. Divorce mediation involves the use of a third-party, impartial mediator to help resolve disputes and reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Understanding finances is key in high asset divorces
High asset divorce cases often have a dynamic that is usually not present in other marital dissolution cases. When a California couple with substantial financial holdings divorces, locating and understanding family finances is critical when a fair distribution of assets is the goal. If one spouse is responsible for keeping financial affairs in order, the other should get up to speed before filing for divorce.
Domestic abusers exploit parental rights to gain child custody
The breakup of a relationship is never easy for California parents, and domestic abusers can use child custody to prolong their influence over victims. According to the American Psychological Association, most people assume that children will get to live with the nonviolent parent when a couple splits. Family courts, however, too often make parental rights a priority even for domestic abusers. Custody evaluators and judges generally believe that children benefit from relationships with both parents. A report from the American Judges Association found that abusers have a 70 percent success rate when they go to court to gain custody of their children.
