There are several different types of custody arrangements because of the difficulties in child rearing by divorced parents.

One of the most contentious facets of a divorce is custody. Parents often care more for their children than their alienated spouses. It is very important for both parents -- the custodial and the noncustodial -- to remember that each is still a parent, and that a child’s love is not divisible; he or she loves both parents.

In deciding custody, parents should remember that a child’s main concern is his or her own future; that a child suffers terribly during a divorce, even when he or she does not show it; and that any custody arrangement competent and reasonable parents can reach is better than one a judge can decide.

In disputed custody cases, the judge decides, guided by "the best interests of the child."

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1. Never Say Goodbye to Your Children
   One very good reason for restraint in divorce is that former spouses must deal with each other as parents of their children. This becomes very difficult when one parent believes he or she is the loser in a zero-sum battle with the child’s other parent.
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   Category: Parenting  (Applicable in All States)
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   One inescapable fact should always be held in mind: a spouse who hurts the child’s other parent hurts the child.
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   Category: Parenting  (Applicable in All States)

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