A custody battle can drain your financial reserve, interfere with your parenting and jeopardize your emotional health. Some strategies might help you prevent a prolonged and contentious situation.

Putting your children first can help you maintain a realistic perspective. Your effort to stay level-headed can help you optimize your resources and focus on rebuilding your future together.

Establish a consistent schedule

Children thrive when they have consistency. Divorce can disrupt their schedule and fill their lives with uncertainty and concern. Some things they may have worries about include the following:

• Where they will live
• Who will take care of them
• If they can continue extracurriculars
• If the divorce is their fault
• If their parents do not like each other

Keeping your children's schedule as consistent as possible might reduce feelings of uncertainty and fear. If possible, collaborate with your ex to determine a consistent visitation schedule. At the least, have a solid routine for the days you have your children in your home.

Recognize the need for flexibility

Sharing custody means you and your ex have to balance careers and parental obligations. Eventually, either or both of you may remarry which could complicate matters further. According to CNN, anger and discord can take an already challenging situation and make it a whole lot worse. Seeing the value of flexibility can help you handle unforeseen circumstances with control. The more adaptable you are, the better you will be able to help your children navigate the complexities of divorce.

Establishing a child custody agreement does not have to take years or drain your bank account. With the right strategies and a team perspective, you can reach a workable solution.