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Children encounter a lot of changes when going through the divorce process. Due to this, it is important for the children to maintain a positive relationship with both parents if possible. In fact, it has been found that children that have both parents involved in their lives experience more benefits, such as being less likely to experience negative emotions and encounter things like stress and anxiety.
While it is important to be in your child’s life, that does not mean that the custody process is any less confusing. Slowiaczek Albers & Whelan can provide further explanation as to what custody means in the state of Nebraska and how a parenting schedule can be customized to meet the specific needs of your family.
Parenting Time Explained
When going through the custody process, you will have to determine how much time the child will spend with each parent. The amount of time that they spend with their parents is referred to as parenting time. In order to have a schedule that is easy to adhere to, it is important to have a document in place. This document is known as a parenting plan.
The best way to create a parenting plan that works for everyone involved is to go through the mediation process. This allows for each parent to provide their opinion and ideas for how time should be divided and to address the division of holidays and vacation time.
Important Questions Answered
While parenting time may seem to be a simple concept, there are issues that can arise. Slowiaczek Albers & Whelan can provide answers to some of the common questions that you may encounter.
What Goes Into Creating a Parenting Time Schedule?
In order to create a schedule that works, parents must take into account several different factors. For example, you may want to try and maximize the amount of time that each parent gets to spend with their child. You will have to consider work schedules, where the child goes to school and the minor child’s activities. It is important to keep the child’s best interests in mind throughout this entire process. If they do not handle disruptions in their routines well, it might be best to design a parenting time schedule that minimizes the number of changes that occur.
Do Children Have a Say?
Every child has their own unique preferences. While determining a parenting time schedule, it is important to keep their wishes in mind, while understanding the importance of having both parents active in the child’s life. In limited circumstances, even the courts will take a child’s preferences into consideration when deciding on a custody and visitation schedule. However, it is important to note that this is done within reason. If a child has a request that does not benefit them overall, then the courts will not accept those as viable reasons. Age is also a factor here, as older children have the capacity to make more mature decisions.
What If a Parent is Unfit?
It is crucial that each parent is capable of providing adequate care for their children in parenting time arrangements. You must have the physical and mental capabilities necessary to provide them with care. However, if you feel as though your ex-spouse may not be able to provide what your children need, the courts will have to look into several factors to make a fair determination. For example, if there has been a history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or if one parent suffers from a mental illness that impacts their ability to provide care, the courts may consider this in their determination of custody and a parenting time schedule.
Have an Attorney on Your Side
When determining parenting time schedules it is critical to have an experienced attorney in your corner. The team at Slowiaczek Albers & Whelan will always put the best interests of your children first, ensuring that a resolution is reached that meets their needs. We will be there every step of the way.
Reach us today at (402) 928-2007 to schedule an appointment!