Separating or divorcing parents often bicker over custody arrangements. Understandably, each parent wants to spend as much time as possible with their kids.
Unfortunately, some divorcing spouses try to use their child custody arrangements to punish their co-parent. But there are ways to combat those underhanded strategies.
Asking for the right of first refusal
Asking for this provision in your child custody arrangements simply means that if or when your coparent seeks a babysitter during their parenting time, they must ask you first. Of course, you might be unavailable due to work or other obligations, but you will at least get the opportunity.
When that is still not enough time
Spending quality time with each parent benefits the children of divorce a great deal. That’s what typically makes the parent the better choice for childcare than a nanny or other relative. When parents are with their kids, they have opportunities to share their values and culture with them, help shape them into the adults they will one day be.
That’s why parents should be willing to fight for the custody arrangements that are in the best interest of the kids, which can certainly include seeking the right of first refusal.
If you feel like your present custody arrangements are too restrictive or lopsided, you may be able to petition the family law court to modify your custody arrangements to better reflect the children’s needs.
Learning more about the divorce and custody laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania could help you get a better outcome for your child custody case.
