My spouse wants me to let the kids stay with him
until I “get on my feet.” Should I do this?
Not if you want to have the kids living with you after the divorce.
Judges do not like to cause change or upheaval in the lives of
children any more than is absolutely necessary. Therefore, if the kids
live with your spouse for several months while you find a new place
to live or a new job, you are risking that you will not get the kids back
unless your spouse keeps his word. Unfortunately, he may have lied
to you. And even if he did lie, the judge may not award you custody
of the children because of the trauma it can cause to move the
children to a new home. Your options are to “get on your feet” with
the children in tow, to try to keep your home and your job and force
your spouse to make the changes, or to trust that your spouse will
indeed return the children to you when you are ready.

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The information contained on this website is intended to be of a general
nature, and may not address the specific circumstances of a given divorce
case. For specific advice, please contact a local attorney or other appropriate
professional. The provision of information on this website is not intended to
violate any state or local law or regulation regarding the practice of law.