All too often it seems that a divorce or separation of a couple who have children seems to end up in a nasty custody battle where children are torn between the two parents. This can obviously be quite traumatizing for the child; however, it does not have to be like this.

One thing that separating couples should always keep in mind is to try and minimize the damage done to their children during the material time. There are many types of mutually beneficial agreements that parents can come up with in order to ensure a well balanced life for a child, post separation of a family. Take for instance the following, which are broadly speaking the three main types of child custody agreements, and can be negotiated by virtually any one of our family solicitors.

1.  Joint Custody – This is generally the preferred type of arrangement whereby both parents continue to make major decisions regarding the future of the child. In most cases, one parent will be responsible for the primary residence of the child. The other will have regular visits and will be able to enjoy reasonable parenting time with their child.

2.  Sole custody – This situation occurs when one parent is in control of the child. Such a child custody arrangement means that the one parent awarded with custody makes all major decisions for the child, and is the parent with whom the child resides. With this type of set up, the other parent may or may not have regular visitation rights.

3.  Shared custody – This arrangement calls for the child to more or less be taken care of equally by both parents. It means that the parents split both the decision making for the child’s well-being, as well as the time spent with each party. It is; however, not seen as the ideal situation for the child, as those children who have one primary residence rather than those living in a split situation, seem to thrive more.

Of course these are just the general types of custody agreements. Details for each individual situation where custody is at stake need to be carefully examined and mutually agreed upon for it to work optimally. How the terms of a child custody agreement are drawn up depends very much on each unique set of circumstances. Be sure to speak to a family solicitor about what will work best for you and your child.

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