Family home, child custody and raising your children

As you prepare for divorce, you’ll have many questions regarding your family home, child custody and the impact on your children.

If you’re fighting for physical custody of your children or your ex-spouse is okay with this, it’s up to you to provide a safe and steady place for them to live. And for that reason, you may want to stay in the family home.

Here are some questions you should address:

• Who has the right to the family home? There is no simple answer to this question, as it depends on the circumstances of your divorce. For instance, if you have physical custody of your children and stay in the family home, you’ll give up other assets in exchange.
• Can you keep up with your family home? It sounds like a good way to provide your children with stability, but if you can’t keep up with your family home you should consider moving on. Staying put can result in financial distress.
• Do your children want to stay in the home? You have to make the final decision, but there’s nothing wrong with getting input from your children. Maybe they don’t enjoy their current school district and would rather get a fresh start somewhere else. This may be the right time to take action.

Divorce will affect you in many ways, including where you live and how you raise your children.

As you prepare for the process, take all these details into consideration. Doing so will position you to protect your legal rights and position you and your children for future success.