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Make sure you explore all your custody options because attorneys are expensive, but children are pricelessChild Custody Resource Library offers expert publications to help with every child custody problem!
When looking at custody options, it is best to plan a practical way to care for the child, with each parent pursuing the responsibilities they have had in the past. Income, work schedules, school districts and many other variables must be taken into account as well. There is no best way to arrange custody, other than keeping things as consistent and fair as possible. There may also be certain requirements by law that the parents must adhere to regarding custody options, depending on the state that they live in. I encourage you to research the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, which is adopted in all 50 states and outlines the initial custody determinations, continuing jurisdiction, modifications and emergency orders with regards to child custody options in the event of divorce. 
The best place to begin, when discussing custody options with your spouse, is to take a look at the influences exercised in the past by each parent. If the discussion never amounts to anything more than exchanging volleys of "I always did this, you never did that", in the end the entire purpose of the conversation will be defeated. Each parent needs to acknowledge the other's contributions made in rearing the child. It is important to give proper credit where credit is due. In short, nothing less than a positive atmosphere should prevail. The entire purpose of the conversation is to hopefully find the answer to the most important question, what custody options and arrangements are in "the best interests of our child?" In some instances the answer discovered might leave one parent happier than the other, but under no circumstances should the focus ever be allowed to deviate from a child's best interest. Because it is worked out and agreed to jointly, you and the other party do not need to go to court and this will eliminate any lingering or potential misunderstandings that may arise in the future. Once a plan has been mutually agreed upon, the question of custody options should fall into line. There are many different types of child custody, both legal and physical, so there are a wide variety of custody options available to deal with all situations. If you plan to obtain joint custody it is vital that both parties be very flexible, and always take the future into consideration.
Temporary Custody At the time of separation, the temporary custody arrangements might very well be assumed by the two parents. However, it is essential that the issues related are thoroughly discussed in order to successfully reach a binding and lasting mutual agreement. Residency, legal guardianship, and visitation serve as the foundation issues on which the legal and physical custody rights are awarded. The law typically does not play a role in temporary custody arrangements, interceding only when one spouse is deemed unsuitable. In other words, it is usually in the interest of common good to come to a satisfactory agreement, to cooperate with the estranged spouse, and to provide convenient visitation. Legal Custody Legal Custody awards a parent or both parents the right to make legal decisions for the child regarding education, health care, religion, and his or her general welfare. There are two types of legal custody options.
Currently, in most states, the courts will favor joint legal custody options in situations where the parents have the ability to cooperate with one another in terms of making decisions that are in "the best interest of the child." Many divorcing parents do work very hard towards achieving this goal. The joint custody option is definitely not for everyone and can only come about as a result of rational decision-making process focused on the past roles and future expectations of the parents. There are advantages and disadvantages to all types of custody, and it is important that you are familiar with all of them before making a decision.
Physical Custody defines and declares the child's residency. There are two types of physical custody.
Please keep in mind that custody should be done right the first time. If you enter into a custody agreement that is inappropriate, or if the court is presented with inadequate information upon which to enter orders, the impact on your children can be negative. Once custody orders are entered, they can be extremely difficult, and in some cases impossible, to modify. This is true regardless of whether those orders were the result of negotiated settlement or litigation. Therefore, it is essential to focus from the outset on obtaining custody orders that best serve the children's needs. Attorneys are expensive but children are priceless. Even if you and your spouse are in agreement about custody and visitation, I recommend you consult with a competent domestic relations attorney before making any important decisions.
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