When parents with young kids in Missouri decide to divorce, some challenges will emerge. They may need to transition to a new coparenting relationship, no matter what disputes they went through before the separation. Coparenting requires good communication, but different approaches to custody might be necessary depending on the age of the children. When determining how parents should share custody, one situation does not have to remain the same forever. The parenting plan can even change to match the children’s developmental stages.

In most cases, infants and young toddlers benefit from the stability of primary physical custody with one parent. However, this does not mean that the other parent can’t have liberal visitation rights and a high level of involvement as the child grows. Regular quality time can help to build the parent-child bond regardless of the custody situation or the age of a child. Young kids who are a little older, on the other hand, may cope better with a more traditional shared custody arrangement. Because these kids do not understand time, however, it may be best to arrange regular calls or video chats.

Daycare, preschool and then elementary school help children to feel comfortable with changing routines, and a child custody schedule can fit in with that. The parenting plan could take the school schedule into account to determine a plan that works best for the children’s emotional, physical and educational needs.

Many divorcing parents want to ensure that they protect their time and relationship with their kids after the end of the marriage. A family law attorney may help a client negotiate a fair child custody agreement and parenting plan.