*This is a collaborative post.
As a parent, there are few things worse than going through a divorce. You can feel as though everything you’ve worked towards was a waste, and there are uncertain times ahead. On the other hand, you might feel a sense of relief, and this could be the best move for the sake of your child/children.
Naturally, you will have many questions relating to the divorce and what you need to do regarding the kids. It can all be a bit of a mess if you don’t handle things correctly, making it a big struggle for your mental health. So, here are a few common questions to ask when going through a divorce.
Who gets custody?
It’s the big question, and the answer is that the mother usually has the right to custody of the child. There are some circumstances where the father will get custody, and it does largely depend on what the parents agree on. You have to think about what will be best for the kids – are they better off with their mother or father? In a lot of divorce situations, they are better off staying with the mother. Of course, if the father really wants to see their kids, you can give them flexible visiting rights so they can pretty much see them whenever. When you talk about custody, you’re basically just talking about where the kids will live.
Do you need a solicitor?
In very rare cases, no solicitor is needed. This is only if you and your ex-partner agree on all the terms of the divorce. You’re both happy with the custody arrangements, you’re happy with how things are divided up, and so on. If this is the case, you can get a divorce without any legal representation or court proceedings.
Nevertheless, divorces can be complicated as there are loads of things to sort out. So, you will most likely need a solicitor, but be sure to get one like Bannister Preston that specialises in family law. They will help you get through the process as swiftly as possible, ensuring everyone agrees on the terms.
Will we need to go to court?
No, even if you both have solicitors, it doesn’t mean you need to go to court. Court proceedings are usually only for circumstances where disagreements continue to happen – especially relating to custody. Let’s say neither of you can agree on the custody of your kids, the court will then have to decide. But no, generally, you won’t need to go to court.
As you can see, divorces can be complex and stressful. This is why it’s important to really think if this is the right move to make. Just because you’ve gone through a rough patch, it doesn’t necessarily mean a divorce will solve the problem. Sometimes, you just need time apart before things feel better.
Obviously, there are instances where divorce is the only solution. Hopefully, this post clears up some of the questions you have, so you know how to approach things now. The best advice is to keep things as civil as possible, even if you’re brimming with rage. It’ll make it easier to negotiate, leading to a quicker divorce – which is better for you and your kids.
*This is a collaborative post.
Interesting post as ever, the reality is lots of people go through it and sometimes they need some sort of guidance, this is why posts like these are helpful. Enjoyed reading it. x