Can California Child Custody Be Arranged Around My Non-Traditional Work Schedule?

At the Land Legal Group, our divorce attorneys in Los Angeles know that no two sets of parents are the same, and neither are their children’s needs, which is why some child custody arrangements are more difficult to agree on than others.

Not only is it challenging to determine how your kids will split their time, but when one parent has a non-traditional work schedule, including night and weekend job-related obligations, adjusting child custody arrangements can require an experienced attorney to ensure your rights are not violated because of the hours or where you work.

Can My Non-Traditional Los Angeles Work Schedule Hurt My Child Custody Case?

If it does not negatively affect the children, our California family courts are not in the practice of denying child custody based on what parents do for a living, or when they work. The courts are generally in favor of protecting any arrangement that allows the child to maintain a relationship with both parents.

Unusual or variable work shifts should not be a factor in your custody arrangement if you have proper and safe childcare lined up to watch the children while you are working. Just as parents who work traditional day jobs must find childcare solutions when their children are not in school.

Our family law attorneys in Los Angeles can help build your child custody case to pursue a fair and equitable parenting plan that will allow you to play a significant role in your children’s lives, no matter where you work.

How Can Difficult Work Schedules Affect Los Angeles Child Custody Agreements?

While children often maintain different routines in different homes, depending on the age of your children, consistency with their schedule can provide the sense of stability they need to thrive.

If one parent works nights or weekends, or the other travels often, the best approach to addressing varying work schedules is to ensure the focus remains on what is best for the children.

In most cases, child custody solutions can be found by:

Working Together

Parents who are willing to work together to ensure the best interests of their children are first instead of their personal differences and preferences can construct a plan by simply listening to alternative solutions that allow both parents to remain involved in the children’s lives.

If one parent’s schedule changes weekly, consider allowing the nights he or she is off to become the nights the kids stay with him or her. Common sense will go a long way in ensuring both parents are effectively parenting their kids.

Communicating Effectively

Parents should remain in touch with each other regarding how the varying work schedule is affecting their children. Is everything okay? Do you need to switch days around to ensure the kids get to their activities or are not overwhelmed by the shuffling schedule?

Talk to your kids and pay attention to their attitudes and behaviors with a sliding schedule, so you know when it is time to reevaluate the approach.

Being Flexible

Fluctuations in employment, like overtime or extended business trips, can leave the parenting to one for lengthier times than they initially agreed upon. Taking the time to understand the other parent’s work and how seasons or sales cycles can affect their lives will help you be there for the kids when they cannot, or at the very least make arrangements for childcare in the interim.

If you have a non-traditional job and are worried about your child custody becoming an issue, contact our Land Legal Group skilled family law attorneys in Los Angeles County today at (310) 552-3500 to learn how we can help you understand your rights and outline your options, so you can make informed decisions about your future.