March is usually the month with the greatest number of filings for dissolving marriages. Navigating the divorce process can be complicated both financially and emotionally, especially when children are involved. However, a few tips may help parents in the state of Massachusetts to make their divorce child centered.
First, it is important to put a temporary custody order in place. Whatever the living arrangements may be following the divorce filing, it is beneficial to write down a plan for parenting time that details when both parents will get to spend time with the children. This plan can remain in effect until a final order has been reached in the divorce.
It can also be helpful to establish a temporary support order. Even if an ex-spouse has totally walked out on the family, this person is still legally obligated to provide financial support to the children. A temporary support order and custody order help to make family life stable for the children while they are going through divorce.
An attorney can help with drawing up temporary support and custody orders in Massachusetts. In addition, the attorney can offer guidance during the process of working with a future ex on a parenting plan that will work best for the entire family long after the divorce has been finalized. The parents can also work on a child support agreement that satisfies both parties and complies with state guidelines. The goal in any divorce proceeding involving children is to make sure that the best interests of the child are taken into consideration when making decisions.
Source:Â huffingtonpost.com, “7 Secrets For A Child-Centered Divorce“, Bari Zell Weinberger, Feb. 24, 2017