When a divorce involves two individuals who do not have children, it is possible for the ex-spouses to completely separate from one another and never have interactions again. However, when children are involved, the situation can be challenging. Parents in Oregon who are going through a divorce may have the option of sole custody parenting, parallel parenting or co-parenting.
In an ideal situation, parents would put the best interests of their children in front of any animosity or frustration they might have with each other. This means that even though it is challenging, divorced parents would communicate with each other, maintain a civil relationship and avoid arguing in front of their children. They would show by word and deed that they are committed to the happiness of their children even if it means that there will be times when they feel uncomfortable or their convenience is infringed upon.
However, as many children of divorce know, it can be very difficult for parents to separate the animosity that led to the divorce from their role as parents. In some cases, albeit relatively rare, the animosity reaches a point where the court may decide that one parent having sole custody of the child is what is best. However, in most cases, some type of joint custody is agreed upon.
When making decisions about joint custody, the court will often take into consideration the willingness of the parents to communicate and work with each other. In cases of true co-parenting, the exes will communicate with each other and work to agree on large and small decisions pertaining to how their children are raised. With parallel parenting, there’s not a lot of communication between the parents, but the majority of their interaction is with the children.
In cases of child custody, a family law attorney may help clients prove in court that they are fit to be parents. A lawyer can help people come up with custody agreements and serve as mediators during divorce proceedings.
