My wife and I are about to be seperated, and may be divorced. We both agree that joint legal custody would be best for our children, ages 5 and 3. She lives in South Carolina and I'll live in West Virginia, about 7 hours away. The kids will go to school in South Carolina.
Have any of you dealt with this situation? How?
2007-01-15 10:30:02 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Yes, you can share joint custody with mom having primary physical custody. Joint custody allows you to get copies of school records, medical records, etc. You and your wife will work out some kind of visitation plan that can be modified as your circumstances change. Spend as much time with the children as you can. You should share the travel expenses, meet half-way, etc.
It will all work out.
2007-01-15 10:34:44 · answer #1 · answered by Starla_C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Joint Custody, in its true form, only works when the parents can and will work together for what is best for the children. Seems like you guys are already handling this well.
Since you are the one moving "away," you MUST make every effort to be an equal participant in your children's lives. Seven hours is not considered far apart these days - opposite Coasts is.
I've had clients in your situation several times. You'll have to share time equally and DRIVING responsibilities. Think about whether you want to alternate driving or meet half way.
Since your kids are still so young - school is not as much of a factor as it will become. (You still shouldn't miss their plays and stuff, if you can help it.) If they are going to have their primary physical residence with their mother, and go to school there, YOU are the one who is going to have to make concessions. There are MANY different ways of handling this, i.e. You get longer periods when school is out. It's also worth it to you to see them one evening a week despite the drive. Your relationship with your children is MUCH more important.
I'm glad you "may" be divorced. Think hard. And also see if one of you can live closer to the other.
2007-01-15 10:47:34 · answer #2 · answered by 34th B.G. - USAAF 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would the 2 of you CHOOSE to live so far apart. Joint custody involves living within a short distance so both parents can be "effective" in their children's lives everyday.
My ex-spouse & I have joint custody. We live 6 miles apart. He has the kids when I work at night, & I have the kids when he works during the evening. This has been working great for the last 5+ years. The kids are able to have us at school functions, etc.
2007-01-15 10:37:58 · answer #3 · answered by Daiquiri Dream 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well I am in the support process not the custody part just yet...I will suggest that both parents should try to maybe at least leave in the same state so visitation will be possible. However, the judge will arrange for you to see the children during winter and summer break. Good Luck!
2007-01-15 10:36:08 · answer #4 · answered by ♥♥♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes well the best way to do it is to talk things out and not go to court that is very hard on the kids and even if they are young talk to them and ask them if they have any ideas of how to come see dad .. shear the vacation time and Bdays it is not easy but if you can communicate it will go a bit smother for all of you .. i hope it helps. always include the kids in the decisions they are apart of what is happening ...
2007-01-15 10:41:20 · answer #5 · answered by BebeLove 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
u at the instant are not incorrect for desirous to get baby help ur sons needs that. bypass to the courtroom and put in a order for baby help. i does not hardship approximately custody until he's announcing he will take him from u. divorce on ordinary regulation uncertain approximately that, yet call the courtroom abode and ask to talk to the county clerk approximately ur undertaking. hopes this helps
2016-10-20 06:16:48 · answer #6 · answered by merkel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
joint legal is always good. this entitles both parents to participate in the well being of your children. just make sure the visitation is clear so there are no mix ups. and phone call privleges.
2007-01-15 10:40:02 · answer #7 · answered by Bella 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hello,
well i am in almost the same sitiuation that you are??? i take my children to their fathers so that away their father cannot say that i kept them from seeing them....but any way....when my youngest father lived outta state one would ride with my 2 year old on a plane and vice versa we shared the cost of her and mine or his flight....when he lived in cali and i live in missouri....it got to be very expencive at times but you can make it....it is better for the children and both parents to be active in their lives.....but you and your wife have to meet in the middle or the experience will be horriable and the children will suffer...good luck
2007-01-15 10:40:14 · answer #8 · answered by wendy p 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋