Divorce proceedings can become a lengthy process for some couples. For one Tennessee couple, the divorce was only the beginning. After separating, the couple began to fight for custody of their son and daughter. The mother was granted residential custody until she was accused of sexual abuse.
Though she was acquitted nearly two years later of all charges, her children were not returned to her. Her ex-husband filed a motion to have the residential privileges granted to him. Just last week, the couple came to an agreement over their child custody dispute.
While a confidentiality agreement bars any information regarding the specifics of the settlement, all parties involved are certain that it is in the best interests of the children. The agreement will hopefully allow each parent to continue being a part of their children’s lives.
Even the judge who presided over the hearings commended the parents for reaching a settlement. Instead of stretching the custody battle out and trying to undermine the other parent, they chose to work together to reach an agreement. Their actions show that they do have their children’s best interests in mind.
As we’ve previously mentioned, courts are concerned first and foremost that any custody agreements are made in the best interests of the child. In some cases such as this, that includes protecting their identities from the public. This has progressed from times where mothers were preferred as the primary residential parent; fathers have begun to see a shift towards more equal parenting plans.
Divorce and custody proceedings can have a great impact on children who are caught in the middle of it. This couple has set a good example of how putting aside personal differences for your children’s sake can make a difference.
Source: The Chattanoogan online, “Tonya Craft, Joal Henke Reach Custody Agreement,” 19 November 2010
