Louisville Family Law Blog

Though a couple may make the difficult decision to divorce and no longer be spouses, that does not mean that they are no longer parents. Co-parenting tips can help the divorcing parents successfully co-parent and navigate child custody considerations following their divorce.

Successful co-parenting begins with some basics including each parent putting themselves in the shoes of the other parent, as well as the children. It is always important to have a written visitation schedule but also to be flexible to meet the needs of the children. If engaging in an activity with the other parent, though it is not their day, would be beneficial to the children, then parents should take that into account. The schedule should reflect the best interests of the child.

This blog recently discussed that joint custody is the preferred default for child custody decisions in Kentucky, but it is worth taking a look at the different types of child custody. This knowledge will help parents understand how child custody is determined and what they can expect from a child custody arrangement. In general, child custody decisions are always made based on the best interests of the child.

There are two general types of child custody, including physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to who the child lives with. In circumstances when joint physical custody is awarded, the child will live with both parents and go back-and-forth between homes. If there is a reason for concern, such as domestic violence in the home, one parent may be awarded sole physical custody. Depending on what is in the best interests of the child, the other parent may have visitation rights in those circumstances.

You may be one of many Kentucky spouses who hoped to navigate the divorce process in as low-stress, economically feasible fashion as possible. Your main goal at the start was simply to protect your children's best interests and achieve a fair and agreeable settlement so that you could move on in life and not become entangled in a drawn-out courtroom battle.  

While that may have been your intent, if the other person involved has impeded the process by doing something you believe is undermining your rights as a parent or something that is dishonest, you may have reason to investigate the matter, and you can bring it to the court's immediate attention, if necessary. If you think your spouse is hiding assets, not only can it delay successful property division proceedings, it is also illegal. 

Kentucky couples who have a child and have ended their relationship will often be in dispute over child custody. Obviously, co-parenting and sharing parenting time is often beneficial for the parents and child. However, the decision as to which parent will be granted primary custody is often the foundation for rancor and disagreement.

Many factors are involved when the court decides which parent will be given custody. A key is the best interests of the child. Knowing what is considered when determining the best interests of the child can help to understand how that decision is made.