Court rules that children of divorce need both parents

Missouri couples who are going through divorce proceedings may have special concerns if children are involved. A recent court ruling in Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s marital split has brought to light how courts often look at child custody and visitation.

The couple separated and eventually divorced due to allegations of child abuse raised by Jolie against Pitt in 2016. Pitt was later cleared of the accusations.

As far as the couple’s children, however, the court has ruled that Pitt is to be allowed generous visitation without interference from Jolie. Stating that “it is critical that each of [the children] have a healthy and strong relationship with their father and mother”, the court issued visitation arrangements that applied to all of the children except the oldest child who is exempt.

Additionally, the court ruled that each parent is to be able to correspond with the children via cell phone without interference from the other parent. To this end, the children are to have their doctors explain to them that Pitt is a safe father. The court also cautioned that failure to comply with its ruling could result in a change of child custody.

A divorcing parent who is concerned about matters of child custody and visitation may wish to seek the assistance of an attorney experienced in family law. In child custody disputes, an attorney may be able to help negotiate an agreement suitable to all who are involved. If disagreements or other conflicts arise, legal counsel could help the parties arrive at an agreement modification that better serves the best interests of the children.