Child custody doesn’t have to be a struggle

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Family Law on Friday, April 14, 2017.

For some parents, children become a divisive issue during and after divorcing, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Child custody battles and arguments over support do not have to be the norm for divorced parents in Alberta. For proof, one need only look to a mother and father whose family photos are going viral.

The photos show a happy family consisting of a mom and a dad, and their young son. What makes the pictures so interesting to viewers is that, in the more recent shots, the parents are divorced. This former couple made the conscious decision to put aside the negativity and focus on raising their child as best they can.

Despite divorcing shortly after their son’s second birthday, they made a point of taking an annual family portrait, and they plan to continue to do so down the road. They believed the tension that existed between the two adults was creating a bad situation for their child. However, instead of letting that tension consume the family relationship, they agreed to co-parent their son with respect for one another, and place his best interests first.

Not every couple will be able to set aside their differences after a divorce. Those who do, however, may be able to better enjoy time with their children. A good way to start would be by avoiding a child custody struggle and opting for a form of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, for settling the divorce. A lawyer with family law experience in Alberta can help an individual achieve his or her goal of a non-confrontational end to a marriage.

Source: CBS News, “Divorced couple still takes a family portrait every year for their son“, Christina Capatides, April 3, 2017

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