Not everyone works the traditional 9-to-5 schedule at an office and then commutes home for dinner. Firefighters may work shifts around the clock. Police officers run patrols and look for drunk drivers all night. Hospital work is literally never done, so someone always has to be on the clock. People in these professions have to learn to embrace non-traditional schedules.
Unfortunately, these schedules can impact a divorce case. It’s important to know what that impact may look like and what legal options you have.
Did your schedule cause the divorce?
First of all, maybe the schedule you have is the very reason you’re getting divorced. Instability is typically greater for those working non-traditional shifts. This is especially true if your spouse does work a normal schedule, so the two of you feel like you almost never see each other.
Will it impact your custody rights?
One thing to consider is how to get custody of your child. Remember, the court focuses on the child’s best interests. Are they going to determine that your odd schedule puts too much stress on the children, meaning that they live with your ex all of the time? You need to know how to fight for your own rights to a relationship with your children.
How will it change your parenting schedule?
When you do get custody, it’s a guarantee that you’ll need to be creative with your schedule. Many popular schedules are geared around two parents working normal shifts, often while the children are at school. If you work on the weekends, though, can you spend more time with the kids during the week? If your shift starts when they get home from school, how will you set up child care?
Remember, the right solution always exists. You have options, and the court does want both parents to stay involved with the kids, if possible. You’re just going to have to think outside of the box a bit more. Be sure you really look into all of your legal options to find a solution.