Confusion exists in modern terminology used in Court Proceedings regarding children. Rather than using the words custody which changed in 1989 to Residence, and Contact, the Court now uses one all-encompassing term, Child Arrangements. Hence, todays client will seek a Child Arrangements Order.
One of the more complex Arrangements is currently the one most preferred by Child Experts: Shared Parenting. I shall try and deal with the various issues within Shared Parenting:
Courts favour the mother
Frequently considered true, however, now the Court is much more able and willing to view the parents on equal terms.
There is absolutely no discrimination on the basis of gender by the Courts when determining whether a mother or father would be better suited to caring for their children either during the school week or spending quality time with them during the weekends.
Your business vs your children
Again, the Court system has developed in such a way that you do not need to choose between running a business or spending time with your children. In fact, the law is tailored to ensure parents can effectively co-parent and share care.
Working hours
Working hours will dictate which times and days work best for a parent to be responsible for their care. Today, most employers will take childcare into account and arrangements can be made to ensure parents can work the hours needed to fit their circumstances.
Owning your own business can increase your flexibility when deciding working hours, which in turn means that you are far more able to share the care of the children.
Shared parenting
Shared parenting means that children have two homes where they can feel secure and continue to have a real family life with both parents and their newly formatted family.
Parents are best positioned to agree timetables. Certainly, an agreement between parents is much more likely to last than one imposed by the Court. An agreement ought not fail because one parent feels unjustly treated.
The Court can grant a shared care order allowing children to live and spend time with both parents. You should note a shared care order does not always mean 50:50 time at each house.
There has been a significant increase recently in the number of shared care Orders granted on the accepted belief that having a healthy relationship with both parents is in the best interest for the children.
Support network
Friends, family and after/before school clubs all play important roles in supporting parents with Shared Parenting timetables.
For further FREE advice and assistance, call Adrian on 07970291197.
