Parents who decide to separate or divorce are often worried about the effect their choice will have on their mutual children. A parent who is committed to preserving the mental and physical health of his or her children will want to spend as much time as possible with those children following the divorce. Unfortunately, there are times when insisting on certain child custody provisions can cause a parent a great deal of harm. When searching for ways to ensure that you have productive parenting time with your child, make sure you think of the long-term implications of custody requests to reduce the chances of having your request backfire.

Midweek Transfers

Adults who want co-parenting to be equal will often request midweek transfers in order to divide the week between both parents. While it is possible to share parenting with few problems, parents who request midweek transfers when their children are small rarely plan for their children becoming school age. Shuttling children from one house to another when they have school books, sports, equipment, and other things to worry about can quickly become complicated. Also, if one or both parent experiences a job change, childcare or transportation could cause problems for parent and child alike.

Only Parents Making an Exchange

It is possible for parents to include a provision in their custody agreement that prevents anyone other than the parents of the child from making a custody exchange. These provisions are meant to keep custody between the parents without involving in-laws, friends, or new significant others.  While this type of provision is a good idea if there is someone in particular you want to be kept away from your children, it could cause problems in the future as circumstances change. Years after your divorce, not being able to have a new spouse, grandparent, or older child pick up or drop off your child with your former partner may mean leaving work early, postponing certain trips, and more.

Agreeing to Share Traveling Expenses

Offering a former partner, a travel allowance or agreeing to share travel expenses is sometimes used to expedite custody disputes. A parent who can afford to pay for traveling costs may make the offer not thinking about how it might affect him or her in the future. Once the agreement becomes court-ordered, problems may occur in the future if traveling expenses increase because one or both adults move or a job change leads to a smaller income. It is not always easy to have agreements modified, and even if you are able to get financial relief, you may still end up in a serious financial bind sharing expenses until the agreement is modified.

Talk to an Attorney

Talking to a child custody and support attorney prior to discussing any arrangements with your partner is vital. Letting your eagerness to resolve the situation influence your decisions can create long term problems for your professional, personal, and financial life. The attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum are prepared to discuss your options with you to help you make a choice that suits your situation. Our team is familiar with the long term effects of custody and support decisions allowing us to help you decide what options are best for you and your family. Contact us today and schedule a consultation at one of our conveniently located Atlanta area offices.