REGULAR REVISIT OF CHILD CUSTODY PLAN RECOMMENDED BY SOME

Assets and physical property may be somewhat of an issue to divide, even when married couples have reached a mutual decision to divorce and remain on friendly terms. Deciding on exact child custody arrangements that are fair to everyone involved is definitely the most delicate aspect of the entire process, however. Even after Michigan couples are in agreement, the child may still feel unsettled with the outcome. Ruth Bettelheim, a marriage and family therapist, believes children deserve a say in the matter, especially as their lives change with age.

Bettelheim believes that a reoccurring 2-year “mandatory binding” review is best for consensual child custody plans. She says this allows the child to feel as if he or she has a say in matters that affect them. With a child’s years of adolescence already a whirlwind, allowing them to offer their personal say on where they want to live may offer them feelings of stability.

This type of flexible child custody plan could prove most beneficial to Michigan fathers who want to spend equal quality time with their child. Since this type of decision is made outside of the courtroom, there is more potential for a father to receive even longer periods of custody than the mother. If the child is doing well socially and academically staying with her father, for example, she would have the right to voice her opinion and perhaps her desire to continue staying with her father.

Flexible child custody also prevents fathers from falling victim to the many presumptions that may favor maternal custody without any other consideration. It could give them a level platform during the process of divorce in the state of Michigan. Most importantly, however, is that the children involved have a say regarding their personal well-being.

Source: Family Goes Strong, “Getting a Divorce? Expert Says Ask Your Children How to Parent,” Pamela Cytrynbaum, June 1, 2012