Littman Family Law and Mediation Services has years of experience assisting clients in family law. We understand the stress during and after a divorce and recognize the benefits of having a decision-maker. Joint decision-making, however, means that both parents are responsible for making critical decisions, major or minor, for their child how they see fit.

1. Medical Decisions

Parents must discuss and come to the best conclusion regarding their child’s medical situation. If a court determines one parent to be the decision-maker, they are responsible for this aspect of the child’s life. However, if it is a joint-custody situation, both parents talk to reach any final medical decisions.

Important medical decisions for a child include switching or choosing doctors, an elective medical procedure, or surgery. Minor treatments like needing medications and doctor’s visits do not need both parties to occur, but parents often keep each other in the loop about their child.

2. Form of Education

The decision-maker (or both parents if joint custody) decides what kind of education the child receives. The choice might be between homeschooling, private school, or public school, and perhaps on which city or town the child should attend school. Many divorced parents naturally disagree at times and feel they have the child’s best interest in mind, but it is vital to know when emotions are running high.

Following a divorce, having a decision-maker can make the life of both parents and the child easier because one person has the final say on important matters. Consulting with an experienced family law practice can help resolve disputes and disagreements.

3. Religious or Spiritual Upbringing

Parents may feel differently about their child’s religious or spiritual upbringing, considering their child’s beliefs to stem from their own. One might not be religious, while spirituality has an impactful role in the other parent’s life. Some parents allow their child to choose their path, but every situation is different and varies based on individual circumstances.

Sometimes a judge will permit equal rights to each parent, such as allowing one parent to raise the child Catholic and the other as a Protestant, for example. The parent whom the child lives with often makes day-to-day decisions for them regarding daily routines, hygiene, rules, and discipline.

4. General Welfare or Wellbeing

A responsible decision-maker for the child after a divorce is critical to providing stability and security in their life. Many children find themselves caught in the middle following a divorce, but the process is smoother when parents are respectful to one another. A child’s general welfare is often a family matter because it concerns both parents and can encompass many circumstances related to the child, including therapy or a massive change in their life.

Littman Family Law and Mediation Services has experience working with child custody cases, family relationships, and domestic violence situations. Contact us today if you need a trusted family lawyer from an established law firm to assist you in family court.

Call Littman Family Law and Mediation Services at 303-832-4200 to confidentially discuss your circumstances with our experienced team.