In a recent interview with GQ, Brad Pitt opened up about his divorce from Angelina Jolie and the child custody battle that has followed. He also revealed that he’s in therapy and has stopped drinking and that much of the drama was “self-inflicted.”
BRAD PITT TALKS ABOUT DIVORCE AND CHILDREN IN RECENT INTERVIEW
As Pitt told GQ about his divorce, “I was boozing too much. It’s just become a problem. And I’m really happy it’s been half a year now, which is bittersweet, but I’ve got my feelings in my fingertips again.” Pitt admitted he’s concerned about how the media attention surrounding his custody dispute has affected his kids, saying, “I worry about it more for my kids, being subjected to it, and their friends getting ideas from it. And of course, it’s not done with any kind of delicacy or insight—it’s done to sell. And so you know the most sensational sells, and that’s what they’ll be subjected to, and that pains me.” Pitt’s divorce was also a wake-up call for him in terms of being there for his children. “It’s hit me smack in the face with our divorce: I gotta be more. I gotta be more for them. I have to show them. And I haven’t been great at it,” he said.
CHILD CUSTODY
In California, the law provides judges with certain guidelines when it comes to child custody decisions. While a court will often favor joint custody, where both parents play a role in child-rearing, there are exceptions where shared parenting might not be possible. Therefore, there is an order of preference in place when it comes to child custody arrangements, as is demonstrated below:
- Joint custody
- Sole custody. In this instance, a judge will decide on the custodial parent.
- Non-parent custody. In this instance, a judge may rule it is best for a child to live with someone other than a parent.
- Suitable Persons
A judge will weigh all information provided regarding the parents and the child before awarding custody. Judges are also given broad discretion in cases so that the child’s best interests are met. Additional Factors The California Family Code outlines what a judge will consider when deciding on child custody disputes. These various factors include:
- Child’s health and welfare
- Physical abuse
- History of violent crimes
- Parental drug or alcohol abuse
YOUR CHILD CUSTODY CASE
Child custody cases can get combative, as has been seen during the Jolie and Pitt custody battle. Typically, both parents want equal time with their children. But all too often a parent will try to argue that the other parent isn’t fit to raise a child. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself when entering a litigious child custody case.
RECORD EVERYTHING
When resolving child custody cases, if a parent is able to demonstrate how the other parent and the child or children interact, it can help prove their side of the case. Because of this, it’s advised to record everything, including:
- If the other parent does not follow or stick to a pre-arranged visitation schedule
- Any changes in the child or children’s behavior following the time they spend with the other parent
- If the other parent threatens legal action against you
- Any concern you have regarding the child or children’s physical well-being during the time they spend with the other parent
Documenting all these things is very important to building your case. But it should also be fairly documented, including any positive interactions. Being able to remove any emotions you have about the other parent will help you stay focused on creating an unbiased record. State the facts and try to keep the emotions out of it.
WHAT TO RECORD AND HOW-TO
Using a spiral notebook, Excel document, or any other form that will help you keep track of every interaction, note the following:
- Dates
- Times of calls or visits
- Topics discussed (either between you or the other spouse or between the other spouse and your child or children). This does not have to mean an invasion of privacy, but if you’re able to get a gauge of what was discussed between your child or children and the other parent it only builds a stronger case
- Duration of phone call or visit
- Was the interaction spontaneous or part of a pre-arranged visitation schedule?
- How the child or children felt prior to the visit or call, as well as after
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Be consistent in your record keeping. If that means setting a daily time to record anything that has happened, then do so. Waiting days or weeks to record an interaction will make it difficult for you to remember specifics.
- Be neutral! Try to not let emotion get ahold of you.
- Research your state laws regarding auto recordings and telephone calls. In some jurisdictions, recording conversations is illegal.
- Work with a lawyer.
CHILD CUSTODY
Family law courts favor awarding joint child custody to both parents, due to the fact that typically, it’s been shown that child’s respond best to both parents being in their lives.
JOINT CHILD CUSTODY
Joint custody is when two parents share decision-making responsibilities and / or physical control of the child or children they share. Joint custody is able to be awarded to parents that are divorced, separated, no longer living together, or even if they never lived together.
FORMS OF JOINT CHILD CUSTODY
There are different forms of joint custody that can be awarded, including:
- joint legal custody. This means both parents are able to make decisions regarding the child, including religion, education, medical, and any legal matters.
- joint physical custody. This means a child spends equal time with each parent.
- joint legal and physical custody.
While it’s a common practice for parents to share physical custody and legal custody, it’s not always the case that parents that share legal custody also share physical custody.
JOINT CHILD CUSTODY – ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to joint child custody. Children are able to have contact with both parents. Additionally, parents are able to share some of the hardships that come with co-parenting. But children also often have to be shuttled between parents in joint physical custody situations. This can be difficult on a child, especially if parents are noncooperative. Because of some of the disadvantages, it’s important that parents work to create a harmonious co-parenting situation. Maintaining detailed agreements surround holidays, expenses for clothing and medical care, as well as creating a child’s own space in each household is crucial to creating a successful joint custody arrangement.
WORKING WITH A DIVORCE AND CHILD CUSTODY ATTORNEY
If you are facing a divorce or a potentially difficult child custody case, you should work with a family law attorney that can take a look at your specific situation and give you advice based on it, rather than approach it with a one size fits all mindset. Your specific situation will be particular to you and your marriage and the way your life was set up during the marriage. This might mean major financial decisions regarding retirement funds, property, child support and custody, and alimony. A divorce attorney will work with you to help you decide how you want to tackle these elements of your marriage and divorce, while also providing guidance and support. They will be able to lead you through the process while keeping you from procrastination and caving into pressure. They’ll also be able to help ensure you meet all the required timelines while ensuring that you get a fair case and trial should you need to go to court. Lastly, they’ll be able to help you find the freedom and new life you are seeking – one that is entirely on your terms.
For advice on divorce, you need the expert law firm of 619 DIVORCE. Schedule a consultation today.
(619) DIVORCE
225 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 431-3131
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