If you’re going through a California divorce and there are children involved, it’s essential you do not take your decisions lightly. You always want to act in a child’s best interest, of course, but this doesn’t mean the same thing for all couples that are getting divorced.  If you’re going after sole custody because you think it would be best for your children, consider the pros and cons before moving forward.

The Pros of Sole Custody

Children benefit immensely from being able to stay in one home for the majority of their childhoods as the stability nurtures feelings of safety. Splitting children between two houses – typically weeks and weekends – can cause children to be unfocused. If children are able to remain in the same house they lived in before the divorce happened, they may feel safer during their difficult transition. The non-custodial parent doesn’t even have to be completely out of the child’s life, as visitation rights are often very open once custody has been established.

The Cons of Sole Custody

The non-custodial parent may be able to see his or her children on a regular basis, but that doesn’t change the fact that the kids may miss the parent they no longer live with. Sometimes this causes behavioral issues in children, especially if the non-custodial parent was the one they had been closer to. In addition, visitations with the child or children may be spent in indulgence rather than truly connecting, leading to a relationship that lacks the required depth for stability.

Make sure the decision you and your ex-partner make keeps not only the children in mind, but the happiness and interaction of both of you in your offspring’s life.