There are many challenges spouses must face during a divorce. Some of these involve property division, alimony agreements, and deciding who owns which debt. However, one of the most difficult things to deal with during a divorce in Florida and elsewhere is child custody. This can be especially difficult for women when sharing custody of their children.
The problem stems from mothers not being able to accept their new custody agreement with ex-spouses to split up time with their children. Although shared custody is designed to reduce conflicts, this can be difficult if spouses are not able to have an amicable relationship with one another. Some research has suggested that women tend to feel more animosity towards their former spouse as a result of shared custody. Although shared custody may not create all of the emotional problems and conflicts in a divorce, it does tend to exacerbate them.
A recent study suggested that there may be some correlation between a woman’s contentious relationship with the father of their child and their willingness to share custody. Many women admitted that they were only sharing custody because they were legally obligated to do so. Some of the concerns included their ex-spouse’s failure to pay child support, past abuse, as well as inability to separate marital problems from parenting. However, sometimes a contentious relationship with an ex-spouse can improve overtime, which will make it easier to cope with the shared custody agreement.
Although improving a relationship with an ex-spouse is important, one should also make sure to properly negotiate the terms of the child custody agreement during the divorce. Before a Florida judge accepts a proposed agreement, it must meet the requirements for being in the best interests of the child. It is important to understand the applicable laws in meeting these standards. The unique circumstances of each case may also make a difference in this determination.
