This Ohio-based family law blog has discussed a number of topics related to child custody, paternity and the rights of parents to raise their kids in the wake of divorces and separations. Many of these topics turn on the important consideration of how children’s needs and interests will be best served by the agreements and orders the courts approve for custody and support. Child custody agreements and orders can be changed, however, if circumstances warrant modifications for the benefit of the kids.
For example, a pair of celebrities who were formerly married recently made the news for revamping their summer child custody plan. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt share six children, all of whom are technically minors. The children had been spending the majority of their time with Jolie in Europe as she filmed a movie, but recently a court determined that the kids should spend more time with Pitt.
In essence, the court found that it was important for the children to foster their relationship with their father and to such end it approved a new custodial plan. That plan provides week-to-week details regarding how much time the kids should spend with each parent per day, how Pitt may contact his kids and what Jolie may not do to interfere with their relationships.
Notably, however, the former couple’s oldest son is not bound to the terms of the new plan. The 16-year-old was found to be old enough to make decisions for himself regarding where he wants to spend his time.
In family law situations in which one parent fears they are losing touch with their kids, custodial plans can be rewritten to ensure their relationships survive. Just as in the case of the Jolie-Pitt family law matter, children can benefit from having time with both of their parents and not just one of them.