Military families face unique challenges when going through divorce and child custody. The stress of deployment, relocations and the demands of military service can create an environment of uncertainty and anxiety for both children and parents. If you are facing a military divorce, what do you need to know about the challenges of dealing with child custody and parenting time?
The impact of deployment on custody and parenting time
In Maryland, the court considers the child’s best interests when deciding on custody and parenting time. When a military parent is deployed, it can affect their ability to exercise custody and parenting time rights. The stress of deployment can also impact the emotional well-being of the children, making it crucial for the non-deployed parent to maintain consistency.
Coordinating custody and parenting time across time zones
In addition, military families can have custody and parenting time schedules across different time zones. This can make real-time communication a major hurdle. To overcome this, parents can use video conferencing to maintain a sense of connection with their children.
Creating a flexible and adaptable parenting plan
Therefore, it is crucial to create a flexible and adaptable parenting plan. It should address issues such as communication, parenting time and decision-making. It should also provide for adjustments in the event of deployment or reassignment.
Protecting the rights of military parents
Meanwhile, military parents have certain rights under federal law. Through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), they may be able to request a stay of proceedings in certain civil cases, including divorce and child custody cases, while on active duty.
Prioritizing the well-being of your children
As you manage the complexities of military divorce, it is vital to prioritize the well-being of your children. However, the intricacies of the law can be overwhelming. By seeking legal counsel, you may protect your rights and make informed decisions as you seek to address the unique needs of your family.