If you and your spouse get divorced and you have children together, you may have to divide custody. This typically begins by determining where the child will live and which parent will be with them. This is known as physical custody.
At the same time, though, you may need to divide legal custody. This gives you the right to make decisions on your child’s behalf. But if custody is shared between you and your ex, then the two of you have to work together or come to joint solutions. You cannot simply make a decision without your ex’s input.
Healthcare decisions
One area where couples sometimes run into friction is when making healthcare decisions. You may want your child to go to a certain pediatrician, but your ex wants to choose a different office. You may want a certain type of medical treatment or care to be provided, but your ex is opposed to it.
Childcare decisions
Additionally, you may have to agree on the type of childcare that is used. This could mean working jointly to pick out a daycare, for example, or approving specific babysitters.
Educational decisions
Furthermore, as your child gets older, you may have to enroll them in school. If you and your ex share legal custody, then you need to choose that school together. If you want to switch schools, you have to get approval from your ex, and you cannot simply remove your child from the school system without talking to them first.
Resolving disputes
Disputes can happen in any of these areas and many more. If you find yourself in this position, take the time to carefully look into all of the legal options at your disposal.