Life in the military is much different than life as a civilian. Being in the service can impact every area of a person’s life, including what will happen with child custody matters if the servicemember ends the romantic relationship with the child’s other parent.
Some of the more common challenges for military members who are dealing with custody issues include training obligations, deployments, changes in duty stations, and unpredictable schedules. While these are just part of life in the military, they can all have a negative impact on the child’s stability. But that doesn’t mean that the servicemember shouldn’t be considered in child custody matters.
Having a plan in place is crucial
Having a family plan in place is one of the most important steps a person in the military can take when they’re dealing with custody issues. This family plan gives instructions on various aspects of the child’s life. For example, it can cover who will take care of the child if the military member has a rapid deployment or if they have to go for a training exercise.
Documents that provide the temporary guardian the ability to make medical and educational decisions for the child must be present. In many cases, the temporary guardian will care for the children until the other parent can pick them up.
Another consideration in military child custody cases is visitation. Deployed parents may rely on virtual visits to spend time with their children. The plan may also set up the ability for someone other than the servicemember to utilize their parenting time. This is often the child’s grandparent or another family member.
Military child custody matters have different challenges, solutions and requirements. It’s critical that military members work with someone who is familiar with their circumstances.