If you are in the middle of a custody dispute, you may think you and your children’s other parent will never agree on anything. While it can be perfectly acceptable to disagree about many matters, you do not want your ex to be reckless or irresponsible with your kids. Still, his or her parenting style may make you do just that.
According to Psychology Today, there are four distinct parenting styles individuals use to raise their kids. If your ex’s parenting style involves leaving the children with irresponsible babysitters, friends or relatives, though, you may want to put a right of first refusal clause in your custody agreement.
Right of first refusal
If you think your ex will ask an irresponsible, reckless or dangerous person to watch your kids during his or her parenting time, you should take steps to protect both your parental rights and your kids. With a right of first refusal provision, your spouse has a legal obligation to ask you to watch your kids before asking anyone else to keep an eye on them.
Your options
A right of first refusal clause in your custody agreement does not require you to watch your children during your non-parenting time. That is, you have the option of stepping in when your ex cannot watch the kids during his or her regular parenting time. If you are unavailable or unwilling, your ex can then ask someone else to babysit.
Ultimately, not only does a right of first refusal clause help you to maintain some level of control over the individuals who babysit your kids, but it also may give you more time with your children.