Child Custody Advice For Children

Separation and divorce can become a truly devastating experience for young children caught in the middle of their parent’s bad relationships. What could be more devastating than to live with the custodian parent with the parental issues. These include alcoholism, substance abuse, child abuse and child neglect, among others. With these, the child could be able to change custody if he so desires.

Factors that Will Affect Child Custody Advice for Children

Several factors would have to be considered in child custody advice for children who seek change in custody. These include (a) living arrangements and choices in education; (b) friendships with peers; and (c) mental health. Ultimately, it is the parent with the full or sole custody of the child who will have to make crucial decisions in the living arrangements of the child – where he will study, what community to live in, medical care, etc. The custodial parent also makes an agreement with the noncustodial parent in terms of visitations and friendships with other peers. Lastly, one must consider how divorce and separation, constant moving and the changing of schools, all major events in the lives of children,  may add to their traumatic levels of stress and anxiety.

How the Child’s Wishes Play in Child custody Advice for Children

Good child custody advice for children considers these stated factors as well as the child’s wishes, even though they are negligible in most cases. A child seeking a custody change from a parent or guardian to another would need to understand basic family law procedures. A very basic concept would be how custody decisions are judged in light of the best interests of the child. What a child may want to work out in a custody change is not necessarily that which is good for him.

Naturally, a judge does not consider a child’s desires until he or she reaches 13 or 14 years. In most cases, judges, won’t entertain a child’s wishes in custody matters unless there is telling and legitimate proof of child abuse or child neglect. Therefore, child custody advice for children at this phase would concern how the child would understand how his or her wants are not necessarily his or her needs and how she is treated by the parent in instances of abuse.

The Need for Emotional Support in Child Custody Advice for Children

Good child custody advice for children considers the emotional changes they go through during the process of divorce and separation and child custody. A child or teenager who is going through changes in custody is actually in the process of an emotionally-challenging and emotionally-charged experience. Given the drastic changes in the events surrounding his or her custody, it is best to seek for emotional support within the family and outside the family like friends and peers, teachers and counselors.

Concept of Guardian ad Litem

Once a child shows significant evidence or reasons for changing custody such as drug and substance abuse, child abuse and child neglect by the custodial parent, the young child should be guided by child custody advice for children specially given by the guardian ad litem. The role of the guardian ad litem is crucial in representing the best interests of the child. A guardian ad litem is usually a qualified and trained attorney with experience and specialized training in these matters. She functions to serve and protect the rights of a child going through the change in custody. She or he also makes necessary opinions or recommendations regarding the care and situation of the child.