Losing a parent  is a devastating event for a child, who may feel as if their entire world has been shattered. In addition to the difficult emotional hurdles that come with this type of loss, there can be numerous legal and logistical challenges as well. 

Previously, we’ve discussed how joint custody is the preferred route for the California family laws. The reason for this is that, when the circumstances line up, joint custody carries numerous benefits for the children and parents alike. Thus, the courts are unlikely to default to awarding one parent sole custody unless there is a strong, compelling reason to do so. 

Conversations around divorce often emphasize the negatives, including the emotional and financial struggles that accompany a divorce. These conversations also often focus on how the divorce is sure to have a deeply negative effect on any involved children. 

As parents move towards a planned (or unplanned) divorce, figuring out a custody agreement is often a crucial next step. This custody agreement helps parents sort out difficult custody issues such as where the children will reside, how visitation arrangements will work, what parental responsibilities get assigned to who, and more. 

Tensions are always especially high during the divorce process, and the odds of amicable discussions are slim to none. In fact, it’s much more likely for you and the ex to break out into an argument, whether you’re working through your divorce via mediation, having a quick meeting with both lawyers present, or squaring up in a courtroom hearing.