If you are in the process of getting divorced and share children with your spouse, it’s natural to have a lot of questions—and concerns—about the pending custody proceedings. After all, your kids’ safety, health, and well-being have been your number one priority since the day they were born. Fortunately, family law judges also prioritize the best interests of the children when awarding custody, so caring and attentive parents can have at least some peace of mind that no one will take their kids from them. And with help from a seasoned child custody lawyer, you can secure a satisfactory agreement that works for everyone.

3 Tips for Securing a Suitable Custody Arrangement 

1. Consider Each Parent’s Involvement 

Unless there is a valid reason to award sole custody, family law judges are partial to joint arrangements. They believe it is in most children’s best interests to maintain a close relationship with both parents. Once you determine how involved each parent should be, a child custody lawyer can explain which combination of physical and legal custody will make it happen.    

2. Consider Possible Compromises 

If you and your ex can arrive at a reasonable arrangement that prioritizes the kids above all else, a family law judge will sign off on it. To reach such an agreement, though, both of you must be willing to compromise. Negotiating with your ex might pose some challenges, but with the help of a child custody lawyer, it will likely result in a much more favorable arrangement than anything a judge—who does not know much about your situation—could devise.

3. Consider Logistics

The court might consider an even 50/50 split the ideal scenario, but it is unrealistic for most parents to have their children for precisely 50% of the time. It may be unfair to the parent who works longer hours or lives farther from the kids’ school, but logistics play an important role in custody proceedings. This includes each parent’s work obligations and each child’s extracurricular activities. 

If you need help negotiating for a reasonable custody arrangement, turn to a compassionate child custody lawyer at O’Neill Law Firm, LLC in La Crosse, WI. A divorce attorney on their team will evaluate your family’s circumstances to determine what a favorable custody order might look like and then devise an effective legal strategy for pursuing it. Whether you need a DUI attorney or a child custody lawyer, you can rely on them for quality counsel at every stage of the case. Visit their website or call (608) 519-3551 to schedule an initial consultation today.