Child Custody Disputes

When married couples go through a divorce in the state of Alabama they are going to have to attempt to come to an agreement on the terms. These include financial matters on the one hand, like the division of shared property and any mutually assumed debt that they may have incurred. Another financial issue that the parties have to discuss is that of spousal support. If they decide that spousal support is appropriate given the circumstances the amount of the payment would then have to be decided upon. If the couple can’t come to an agreement on any or all of these matters it would be up to the court to decide.

Aside from the financial terms a divorcing couple who have children together will have to address the matter of child custody. The laws that govern custody can be found in Title 30, Chapter 3 of the Code of Alabama. When you examine the law you will find that the primary objective of the state is to lessen any emotional trauma that the children may experience as a result of the divorce. The parents of the children are encouraged to reach a custody agreement on their own because they understand the dynamic that exists between each parent and each child better than any third party could.

If no child custody agreement can be reached the parties may be referred to a professional mediator who is trained in dispute resolution before the court will hear the case. It is important to recognize the fact that the parties will be interacting for the rest of their lives due to the fact that they are parents of the same children. A bitter custody battle can only leave hard feelings in its wake, and going forward in a sea of ill will is not pleasant for anyone concerned.

If you need legal advice about child custody disputes, contact a Mobile AL family lawyer to arrange for a free consultation.