Custody
Joint custody
If the parents agree that joint custody is in the best interest of the child, they can arrange this themselves together. If parents do not agree about this, one parent may ask the court to make this decision about custody. Even after the relationship ends, custody can be changed to shared custody.
Joint custody requires consultation and good communication. Sometimes a parent’s main concern is to be treated as an equal and properly informed. Therefore, it is recommended to first exchange views on the issue through mediation and find a solution together that meets the desire to be more involved.
During mediation we can talk about:
- why the parents do not have shared custody
- how were decisions about the child made in the past?
- what decisions will have to be maid about the child in the (near) future?
- what have communication and consultation been like in the past?
- how can this improve?
- why is it important for the other parent to get shared custody?
- how can both parents be more involved in the child’s life and/or the decision making?
- what would be an appropriate parenting plan that can meet the needs of the parents and the child?