It used to be that most divorcing couples both worked 9 to 5 (or one stayed home with the children and the other worked 9 to 5), and a basic, cookie-cutter custody schedule worked for almost everyone. Those days are gone. Many divorcing couples have highly unique work schedules that change on a regular basis, and these couples have to get creative with their custody schedules. If you’re facing a divorce, child custody arrangements can be a primary concern, and an experienced Raleigh child custody lawyer can help.
Traditional Custody Plans
When both parents work 9-to-5 jobs, traditional custody plans work nicely. Whether it’s a plan involving one after-school visit a week and every other weekend or a 50/50 arrangement, the stability of regular work schedules makes traditional custody and visitation arrangements a good fit. As the way we work evolves, however, and so too must custody schedules.
Your Work Schedules
In the end, your custody plan has to be practical, which means it has to mesh with your work schedules. In today’s 24/7 economy, people are working many different kinds of schedules, including:
- Being on call
- Working irregular and/or long hours
- Working a rotating schedule that changes every so-many days
- Traveling for work
- Being self-employed
On top of these factors, many parents work side jobs, including running their own businesses, driving for rideshare companies, and more. Figuring out a custody plan that works for everyone involved is often complicated.
Your Custody Plan Goals
When it comes to your custody plan, both you and the court should want what is in your children’s best interests, which includes providing them with a comfortable home life that does not leave them bouncing from place to place at odd hours. Further, the court is guided by protecting both parents’ rights to spend time with their children. If you and your divorcing spouse cannot come to mutual terms regarding your custody schedule, the court will make your decisions for you. You obviously know your children’s personalities and individual needs far better than the judge ever could, and as such, it is in both you and your children’s best interests to agree on a custody plan with your divorcing spouse whenever possible.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, your custody plan has to support your children’s needs, comfort, safety, and schedules and must accommodate you and your ex-spouse’s schedules. Even if your schedules are not static, having a solid backup plan in place can help rectify the matter. For example, you can build in a schedule-change contingency for those times when one of your work schedules changes unexpectedly. By putting your children’s needs first, you’ll find a creative way to design a custody plan that works for everyone involved.
If You Have Concerns Regarding Your Custody Plan, Consult with an Experienced Raleigh Child Custody Lawyer Today
When it comes to divorce, issues related to child custody arrangements can be the most difficult of an already difficult situation. The compassionate and experienced child custody lawyers at Daphne Edwards Divorce & Family Law in Raleigh are committed to helping you create a custody plan that works for both you and your children. Our dedicated legal team is here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 919-891-8552 for more information today.