DC Child Custody and Support Mediation

Often, those who suffer most from a messy divorce proceeding are the children that are involved. With parents arguing over where they will live, and how much money it will cost to raise them, many children are traumatized and sad to watch their homes dissolve. Naturally, as a parent, you want to make this necessary transition as smooth as possible for them. Spending years in court battles is typically not the way to do this.

Are you and your estranged spouse struggling to reach an agreement about who should have your children after a divorce? Do you know how much child support should be paid to the non-custodial parent? Please contact our experienced family law specialists at Lynn Andretta today!

As mentioned before, both parents can be arguing over who gets to keep the children full-time. There are several options. The father can have full-time, with visitation for the mother, vice versa, neither party can have visitation, the child or children can go to live with another, more suitable relative or both parents can share the custody of the children. Often, it is easier for families, if the court makes a decision. In Washington D.C., these are the criteria that the courts consider when choosing the best custodial parent:

• The child's wishes- If the child is of an appropriate age and has the mental capacity to make the decision
• The wishes of the parents
• The child's adjustment to a new environment - Will the child have to switch schools, homes and communities?
• The health of all individuals involved- Both mental and physical
• Willingness of the parents to share custody
• The child's relationship with other family members- Including the parents, siblings and other significant family members
• The geographical proximity of the parents
• The sincerity of the parents' requests
• The age and number of children
• Prior involvement in the child's life
• Employment or other demands on the parent- For instance, if the parent will rely on welfare, the court may deem him or her unfit for custody
• Evidence of child or spousal abuse
• Potential disruption of the child’s social and school life

After custody is granted, the non-custodial parent must pay a certain monthly fee to help with the cost of raising the child or children. This is known as child support, and can be the cause of many longer, painful arguments.

See Also:

• Divorce & Child Custody

Are you and your estranged spouse struggling to reach an agreement about who should have your children after a divorce? Do you know how much child support should be paid to the non-custodial parent? Please contact our experienced family law specialists at Lynn Andretta today!

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