The best interests of the children should always be at the forefront of any divorce agreements. Family law in British Columbia has rules in place to see that this is the case. When parents start to quibble over splitting their physical time with their children on a 50-50 basis, chances are it becomes about what is best for them and not for their kids. When arguments ensue about who is with the kids and for how long, it can create problems in children that may follow them into adulthood.
Parenting plans should focus on each child having a meaningful relationship with each parent. Whatever arrangements are made should reflect that. Removing conflict from a child’s life may prevent the child from seeking out some mode of escapism that isn’t healthy.
Treating children with the love and care they need and deserve will help them to grow into trusting, caring adults who will value their relationships with their own children one day. It’s not about parents sharing their children an equal amount of time, but about spending quality time with them when they do have them. A child wants a parent’s undivided attention when he or she is with that parent.
A British Columbia family law lawyer can help a client to write a parenting plan that puts the best interests of the children at the forefront of the family dynamic. Utilizing the tools within family law may be able to help former spouses to be the best parents they can be to their children even though they aren’t together as a couple. A lawyer has knowledge of these tools to share with clients.