Divorce becomes much more complicated when the divorcing couple has children. Instead of merely dividing the marital assets and going their separate ways, parents must continue to care for and provide financial support for their children. While they and their lawyers can work out most of the issues, in the end the judge must determine what is in the best interest of the children. This process includes which parent is granted custody, the amount of time each parent is scheduled to spend with the child, and the issue of which parent pays child support in Mankato.
Custody determines which parent will make decisions for minor children and have the power to enforce them. Physical custody refers to sort-term issues such as what the child will have to eat for dinner. Legal custody describes more important issues such as which doctor will treat them or if they get vaccinated. The judge will determine which parent is the best one to be making these decisions for the child. Some couples can successfully work out joint custody relationships. These complex agreements depend upon the couple having mutual respect for each other and the ability to put aside their relationship differences.
Custody should not be confused with parenting time. This is the actual schedule that permits each parent to spend time with their children. Even parents that do not get legal custody have the right to see their children on a regular basis. It is helpful when the mother and father can work out a visitation plan that satisfies their schedules. However, they have to be prepared to show the judge that it is best for the child. For example a father might want to see his child at least one weekday night in addition to a weekend visit. If the child and mother show that the child needs this time for homework and rest, the judge might well reject the father’s request.
The question of paying child support in Mankato is often a controversial one. If the wife gets mad at the husband and refuses him the right to see his child, he may want to stop child support payments. This is not permitted. He has to understand that this hurts not only his ex-wife, but his children as well. He must fight her actions in court, not with his child support check.
