If you and your spouse have kids together, then you both know that the children’s best interests are more important than your individual concerns. However, problems can arise when both parents have starkly different ideas on how they want to raise their children.
Custody and other parenting issues are often the most sensitive matters in any divorce. If conflicting parenting styles form the core cause of your divorce, you should therefore prepare for the turbulent times ahead.
Heated custody battles
While mediation can be a great way to settle matters outside of court and retain greater control over personal affairs, this may not be an option if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are unable to compromise. Instead, you will likely attend a trial during which the judge will make custody decisions in the child’s best interests. If the court finds both parents well-suited to guardianship, then you might expect a fierce and prolonged process.
Parenting plan friction
Even after reaching a conclusion in court, you and your ex-spouse should still draft a parenting plan that enables the children to see both parents while also protecting each individual’s rights and responsibilities. The California court system provides an outline for writing an effective parenting plan. However, divorced individuals who are at odds with their parenting styles might struggle to compromise on a co-parenting arrangement.
Some marriages end based on mutual agreement and may give way to healthy compromise every step of the way. If your split is more contentious in nature, then you should plan strong advocation for your wishes and your rights.