One of the most challenging tasks after a divorce in Georgia is creating a co-parenting schedule. Parents must consider how much time to spend with their children throughout the week, and they must also consider their work schedules. That being said, some of the most important factors to consider involve not the needs of the parents, but the needs of the children. Consider speaking with a custody lawyer to delve into this topic further. 

Consider the Mental Health of the Children

The mental health of the children is generally a positive starting point when considering optimal parenting schedules. Each child is different, and they all react to divorce in slightly different ways. Some children might be open to moving around and spending plenty of time with both parents. Other children might be more resistant to change, preferring a stable environment for most of the time with minimal traveling. 

Parents might want to work with child psychologists to gain additional insights into the mental health of their young ones. While this certainly isn’t mandatory, it could help parents understand the best way to approach custody while minimizing negative impacts on the child’s mental health. If the child has a preference, they may be more comfortable expressing themselves in private with a neutral third party. 

Consider Work Commitments

While most parents prioritize their children over their careers, it does not make sense to sacrifice a well-paying job just so you can spend a little more time with your kids. In fact, your children might be depending on your income for healthcare, food, rent, and other basic necessities. Although it might seem difficult, you may wish to structure your co-parenting schedule around your work commitments. 

Many parents with full-time jobs choose to take their children on the weekends. These parents might pick up the children from school on Friday afternoon before dropping them back off on Monday morning. With this approach, the parent gets to spend roughly half of the week with their kids but without sacrificing their career. 

Consider the Educational Needs of the Children

Parents should know that children with divorced parents are statistically more likely to struggle in school. As a result, it is particularly important to think about educational needs when organizing a co-parenting schedule. If one parent is better situated to assist the child’s academic growth, it might make sense for that individual to have more parenting time. One family home might also be closer to the child’s school, making it a more obvious choice during the school week. 

Can a Child Custody Lawyer in Georgia Help Me Create a Parenting Schedule?

A child custody lawyer in Georgia may be able to assist you with creating a parenting schedule. These legal professionals have the experience necessary to provide effective guidance. They may be able to leverage this experience to tell you what works and what does not. That said, the parents are arguably in the best position to determine what is best for their children. Continue this discussion with Lankford & Moore Law today.