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Avoid issues that trigger child custody problems

On Behalf of | Apr 17, 2023 | Custody & Visitation |

When a pair of Mississippi parents files for divorce, they must resolve numerous issues regarding the care and financial provisions for their children. Even when parents get along well enough to be in the same room without arguing, they might disagree about child-related issues that are relevant to their divorce settlement. Amicable discussion and peaceful dispute resolution are the keys to successful co-parenting. Parents will also want to avoid certain things that often cause child custody problems.

It is helpful if both parents recognize that each of them plays a key role in their children’s lives and will continue to do so after divorce. Being respectful of one another sets a positive tone that not only keeps child custody problems at bay but also helps children cope better. Of course, if a problem arises that a parent does not feel equipped to handle, it’s always possible to reach out for additional support.

Adults should not use children to convey messages or deliver money

Children might feel stuck in the middle or confused as to where their loyalty should lie if their parents run them back and forth as middlemen so that they do not have to communicate directly with each other. Child custody problems are less likely to occur when parents are willing to correspond with each other to discuss changes in a schedule or important family issues, or to transfer money or items between households. When parents use kids as messengers, messages often get skewed or taken out of context, which can spark discord or custody problems in certain circumstances.

Do not disregard a co-parenting plan or court order

The more detailed co-parenting agreement divorced parents have, the better. A detailed plan leaves little room for confusion or dispute. When the court issues a child custody order, it is enforceable, which means neither parent can disregard its terms. Parents who refuse to stick to an agreed-upon plan create child custody problems that may necessitate appearing in court to resolve.