Child Custody disputes are, more often than not, the hardest part of any divorce.
This is simply because the bond that exists between a parent and their child is typically much stronger than the bond with a spouse.
As a result of this, child custody disputes are the most difficult and emotionally wrenching conflicts that families face.
Child custody disputes are further complicated by the trend of snatching the child and taking them across state lines.
Despite federal laws that are in place to reduce this parental kidnapping, it is a much larger problem than was originally estimated.
Child custody disputes are never easy or straightforward to resolve, and it is essential to have the guidance, support and advocacy of an experienced family law attorney.
In some jurisdictions, child custody disputes are automatically sent to mediation and the custody and visitation issues are worked out in terms of the child's best interests and the parents' shared concerns.
There is no doubt that child custody disputes are hard for everyone concerned, and this is not meant not only emotionally, but financially too.
Child custody disputes are the most labor-intensive cases and therefore incredibly costly, and a retainer of $2,500 or more is not uncommon.
Even for a divorce where there is no custody fight, you can expect a retainer of at least $750.
Divorce is nearly always rough on the parents but it is especially difficult when children are involved.
The issues concerning custody and parenting plans can really create anxiety and stress for all concerned, and the decisions can have far reaching consequences.
A major problem is when the parent with child custody wishes to leave the town where the other parent lives.
Sometimes the move is only a few miles, and doesn't cause undue hardships, but more problems occur when one parent wants to leave the state, or even the country to start a new life.
The remaining parent then has considerable expense if they wish to see their child.
And yet the reason for the move, may be a new job, is entirely valid.
The Courts may award joint custody in cases where both parents can perform their duties properly as parents.
Court filings quickly fill with accusations by one parent against the other, and these often include sexual, physical, as well as emotional abuse, brain-washing, the alienation of one parent by the other, sabotage, and manipulation.
Although it may seem that all child custody battles are like this, in fact we must remember that it is only the sensational cases that we hear about on the news, and online.
For this reason, we must realize that only the difficult custody battles get publicized.
Courts in some countries do honor the American custody decrees, but for the most part, the outcome is unpredictable.
The United States Government has no way of forcing a foreign country to honor any American court order which regulates custody or visitation rights.