1. Such issues can arise either as part of divorce proceedings, before (or without) divorce proceedings, or even after divorce proceedings (e.g. variation, enforcement, etc.). Issues (especially disputes) involving children can be highly charged because these involve deep feelings. Ultimately, handling any child-related disagreements boils down to a balance between “rights” and “good sense”.
2. Parenthood is for life. That means even if a couple ends their marriage / relationship, they remain as parents together to their child(ren). Often, problems arise when one or both sides forget about this fact. Admittedly, it is easier said than done to strike the right balance, but it is worth making a conscious effort to remind ourselves about this fact along the way.
3. Getting good legal advice potentially saves you from a lifetime of costly fights. While some situations call for a firm approach, good counsel would be able to advise you on picking your battles wisely. At the end of the day, it is not a win over your ex-spouse or partner that matters, but rather a win over the affections of your child. The best way to do so is to focus on showing sincerity, love and care towards your child. After all, the law focuses on the best interests of the child.
4. It is not difficult to imagine how disputes between parents can impact a child. So, I always encourage parents going through a parental dispute, to arrange for their children to speak to a counsellor, even if the children do not show outward signs of stress. Apart from school counsellors, there are also private counsellors or Family Service Centres. One striking observation that I have made about children is how perceptive they are, and their incapability of malice, even when instigated by a parent they love.
5. Check out our Resources page for further sharing and/or case studies on how various fact scenarios have panned out in real life. Or contact us through our direct line +65 9476 3230 (call / What’s App / text) or e-mail at lawyer@jinhuang.sg.