When you separate from your spouse, your kids may be significantly affected. They may even be more confused if you're fighting over who should physically live with them and make their legal decisions. If you would like your children to continue living peacefully after your separation, contact a divorce lawyer. These attorneys will help you arrive at a binding agreement that focuses on your kid's well-being. Here are three ways they handle guardianship issues.

Presenting You as the Best Custodian

The court will decide the best guardianship arrangement for your kids during the divorce proceedings. To be awarded custody, you need to prove that you can provide the best environment, as well as emotional and financial security to your kids. They'll also look at your employment history, education level, and criminal records to ensure you're not a risk to the kids. Usually, if one parent is more financially stable than the other and has more time to care for their kids, they may be awarded guardianship. But this isn't always so cut-and-dry; the judges will consider other extenuating circumstances such as parental abuse or neglect before making such a decision.

A divorce lawyer will compile a strong case on your behalf to convince the judges that you're the best guardian. They'll present you as a responsible and loving parent who will give your kids the best life they can have.

Creating a Suitable Visitation Schedule

If you're not awarded guardianship, the law allows you to visit your kids regularly. But before both of you go their ways, you need to have an established visitation schedule to enable you to develop a strong relationship with your children.

A lawyer can create a visitation schedule that's appropriate for both of you so that you can have time with the kids without interfering or intruding on one another's time. They'll look at your work schedule and your children's school routine to figure out a good time for both of you, with the goal of ensuring you get ample time with your kids.

Formulating a Parenting Plan

If the court awards you joint custody, you'll need a parenting plan outlining how both of you will be raising your kids. Although these plans may vary depending on your needs, they should state who the child will live with most of the time and the rules you both agree on. A divorce lawyer can formulate one tailored for your specific needs, with the option to use it as-is or modify it according to your situation.

A great divorce lawyer can help you get through guardianship issues smoothly. If you hire them, they'll help you develop a plan that will ensure your kids' interests are taken care of.