When young children are involved, going through a divorce can become complicated and frustrating. While your divorce lawyer will help you establish a permanent child custody arrangement as a part of the divorce, there’s still the issue of determining who will have custody of the children in the meantime. There are a few different ways this can be determined. Below, learn your options in this situation to create the most favorable outcome for your family. 

How to Determine Temporary Child Custody 

1. Talk to Your Divorce Lawyer About Mediating Custody

If it’s possible for you and your spouse to communicate civilly and compromise, mediating a temporary custody arrangement is a strong option. You can still have your attorney present, but a mediator will help you and your spouse come to an agreement.

2. Set Up Your Own Informal Arrangement

Some divorces aren’t as emotionally charged as others, and the spouses are able to agree on some basic terms. If this sounds like your situation, you might not need court interference at all. You and your spouse can simply work out custody for yourselves until a family court judge makes a permanent determination. This can be as informal as you like and may only require negotiating the times and days each of you will have custody. This is beneficial because it will allow you to make impromptu changes as emergencies or schedule changes arise.

3. Take the Matter to Family Court 

If you and your spouse can’t come to an understanding, you may need to ask your divorce lawyer to arrange for a hearing to ask a family court judge to issue a temporary custody arrangement. This will be a brief hearing that will simply set up a short-term custody schedule, which each parent must abide by.

4. Ask the Court to Restrict Custody

If your spouse has exhibited high-risk behavior, such as drinking and driving or engaging in criminal activity, you may want to bring this to the attention of your lawyer. In these situations, it may be necessary to pursue a hearing that will restrict your spouse’s access to your children. It may also be wise to seek an order of protection if necessary, but that’s also something you will have to discuss with your attorney.

During a divorce, one of the most important steps you can take for yourself is to consult an experienced divorce lawyer. Paulk Terrence J Attorney At Law, located in Fitzgerald, GA, can offer you the insight and representation you need to pursue a fair settlement. They understand that the division of assets, child custody, and the establishment of support payments will all affect your future, so you can rely on the firm to give your case the personal attention it deserves. To learn more about their areas of practice, visit their website. To schedule an initial consultation, call them at (229) 423-8783.