Child Custody & Visitation: The Best Interest Of The Child

Child Custody And Visitation: Efforts In The Best Interest Of The Children

Posted May 10, 2023

Whether you are a parent in the middle of a divorce or custody court case, a happily married parent, a separated parent that does not have a court case filed, a stepparent or grandparent, or a parent waiting on the birth of their first child, you can make efforts to improve yourself in the best interest of the child or children.

The most commonly recommended activities include parenting and co-parenting classes, individual therapy, and refraining from the use of intoxicating substances. Additionally, support groups for relevant topics are also encouraged to show an effort of consistent personal growth.

Reasons for these recommendations include the following goals:

To continuously aim to improve yourself for your children;
To continuously aim to improve yourself as a co-parent (whether or not the other parent is making the same active efforts);
To improve your own knowledge base, mental health, and physical health; and
To weaken the other parent’s potential claim that you are not concerned about the best interests of the child(ren), or that you refuse to co-parent cooperatively;

When it comes to child custody and visitation matters, there are many factors and circumstances specific to your case that influence a Judge’s decision. The most important factor is what they believe is in the best interest of your kids. Being proactive by taking the previously mentioned efforts will help the Court develop a fuller picture of you within the facts and circumstances of your case.

You are not required to participate in those activities without a court order, but being proactive has more benefits. In fact, as stated above, you do not even need a court case to engage in these activities, and I would recommend engaging in them well before a court case is filed, if possible. The benefits to your children are immeasurable if taken seriously.

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It is important to know your rights, responsibilities, and options regarding Child Custody and Visitation issues and Family Court Services Recommending Counseling. Our family law team at Naimish & Lewis can advise you on this and other dissolution and divorce-related matters. To schedule an initial consultation with an attorney at our firm, please contact us.

Child Custody, Child Support, Child Visitation, Divorce, Family Court

Robert J. Allison, Esq.

Mr. Allison is a resolution-oriented associate attorney in our Family Law Practice. Even-keeled and fact focused, he is able to assist our clients understand their rights and obligations through the stress and smoke and mirrors presented in their divorce, custody, and domestic violence matters. During the initial consultation, and again once facts and evidence have been collected, Mr. Allison provides various strategies to help clients present their cases, considering cost, time, and client needs. He prides himself in not making false promises to his clients and is unafraid to speak the raw and sometimes harsh reality of how a Court will decide a matter given a specific set of facts and circumstances, both to his clients and to opposing parties. Many potential clients share that they are unhappy with their previous attorneys because they felt a lack of communication, an uncertainty about the family law process and timeline, and they do not understand the strategy in their case or the invoices they receive. While the legal process is complex, Mr. Allison attempts to reduce the confusion through a reasonable case management process involving client participation, because a family law case is often the most difficult period of time in a client’s life.