When couples divorce, one of the most tragic results is the separation of the family. Suddenly, child custody becomes a concern and each parent fears that a divorce means losing parenting rights and the ability to maintain a presence in the child’s life. While this is rarely the case, it’s still important to ensure a legal advocate is representing your interests.
In many custody battles, each parent’s goal is to obtain sole custody of the child, but, unless there are extreme circumstances, the courts try to keep families together as much as possible. The goal of the family court system is to do what’s best for the children, but, as a secondary goal, they also try to ensure each parent has the ability to participate in the child’s upbringing.
While the courts try to be fair, they can only rely upon the evidence and testimony provided by each party and their lawyers. Your ex-partner may paint an unflattering picture of you and, without an attorney counteracting those charges, you may only end up with an allowance for child visitation Hillsborough County. Your own attorney will combat unfair allegations and ensure the judge hears two sides of the story.
In some cases, a divorcing husband and wife may be able to settle issues of custody in mediation. This is a less costly and faster process, but it requires the ability to set aside your differences and compromise. Even in these situations, hiring a lawyer can help keep the mediation process fair and civil. There are many intense emotions involved, when ex-partners try to divide their lives, so rational and logical attorneys can help both parties keep things in perspective.
Each parent wants to ensure he, or she, maintains a presence in their child’s life. Lawyers can help parents work together and show the judge that they can compromise, which makes it more likely that the parents will be able to share custody. Ideally, shared custody allows parents to divorce without unnecessarily disrupting the child’s life. Hiring an attorney may seem counterproductive to creating a positive situation for the child, but, in most cases, it’s the only way to ensure a smooth and fair transition for all involved.