What’s the best way to accomplish your parenting time goals in a divorce? How will a Louisville Family Court judge usually approach child custody and parenting time?
While each case is unique and different there are principles which apply to every case. The first is something you need to clearly focus on if you have kids and are seeking a divorce:
Kentucky custody and parenting time laws are rooted in the best interest of the child.
This concept is the foundation of all parenting time cases. It is the primary driver in the Court’s child custody decisions. It should be the first question as you approach each conversation:
“What is best for (your child)?”
If you really want to accomplish your parenting time goals in a divorce you will need to demonstrate this perspective to the Court. The Judge in your case will carefully observe how you handle yourself. This leads to a discussion about managing your own behavior.
As a parent approaching a divorce, you should expect every text or e-mail you write to be put into evidence before the Court. Every voicemail you leave can be played and added as evidence in your case. Public evidence. This means anyone, your family and friends, your co-workers, even your children (now or in the future) will be able to see and hear every communication with your former spouse.
And so will the Judge.
If you want to accomplish your parenting time goals in a divorce demonstrate your ability to be a good parent. Show the Court you are prepared to co-parent and to place the best interests of your child first. Manage your communications wisely and never communicate when you are upset or angry.
Finally, remain actively connected to your child(ren). Take part in every moment of their day possible. This includes everything from taking them to and from school and day care to helping them study. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Go to their practices and events. Help to wake them and get them going in the morning. Be part of their bedtime ritual at night.
The experienced divorce and family law attorneys at Dodd & Dodd understand everything you are going through. Divorce is extremely difficult on every level for most people. We’ll help you through this. We’ll also work to understand your goals and help to develop a strategy for each to get the best outcome.
You can accomplish your parenting time goals in a divorce here in Louisville. We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our former clients and contact us or call 502-584-1108 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced divorce and family law attorneys.
