While you work on setting up child custody arrangements with your ex-spouse, you’ll come across a number of topics that you need to discuss. Among them, there are four that are particularly important to address, so you and the other parent are on the same page on how to raise your child.

Some of the important questions to ask during your custody negotiations include:

• Who gets custody during holidays?
• Who makes religious decisions?
• Who can travel in or out of the state with your child?
• Who makes decisions about school or extracurricular activities?

By answering these questions now, you’ll be in a much better position as you begin to parent in two different homes.

Who gets custody during holidays?

One of the first topics to discuss is who gets custody during the holidays. You and the other parent may decide to alternate holidays, keep on a specific schedule based on the holidays that are important to you and your family or consider your child’s opinion on where they’d like to spend each holiday. Discussing this topic now will prevent arguments and conflicts when holidays do come up.

Who makes religious decisions?

Depending on your stance on religion, you and your spouse may differ in how you want to bring up your child. Talk about religion now. For example, should your child go to religious services? What religion will they be raised in? Should they not be a part of any religion until they can decide if they want to be? Discuss this now to prevent conflicts.

Who can travel in or out of the state with your child?

Another important discussion to have is determining if you or the other parent can take your child out of state. If so, what protocols do you want to follow?

Who makes decisions about school or extracurricular activities?

Finally, think about who will make decisions about extracurricular activities and schooling. Are you both in agreement about what to let your child do or which schools to choose? If not, it may be a good time to discuss the options.

These are four special considerations to keep in mind during custody negotiations. Just remember, you need to do what is in your child’s best interests at all times. Talking now could spare you headaches from conflicts later.