Children want and need both of their parents, but historically child custody has been handled in the courts in such a way as to make the parents adversaries. This creates a situation in which one parent wins and the other parent loses. Despite the court's intention of protecting the child's best interests, the win-or-lose approach too often greatly limits a loving and capable parent's time with the child.
Failing to pay child support not only hurts the child; parents can face serious legal consequences
In matters of child support, as in decisions related to parenting plans and child custody, the primary concern is doing what is best for the child. Sometimes the parent who receives support feels the amount being paid simply isn't enough, and sometimes the paying parent has doubts about how the money is being spent.
Talking about child custody in collaborative terms
Most people think of language in terms of which words will best express what they think and feel. But the relationship goes the other way as well. Words and phrases have the power to shape how we think and feel. This is among the reasons why Florida courts prefer to use phrases like "parenting plans" and "time sharing" rather than the more traditional "child custody" and "visitation."
Knowing when divorce is the right decision
Couples who are having serious trouble with their marriage are sometimes able to work things out through counseling. Misunderstandings and confusion can take hold of a relationship in unexpected ways, and sometimes a counselor is able to help spouses carefully and calmly identify their differences and resolve them.
