Joint child custody has its challenges, but if you and your spouse want to raise your child together despite your pending divorce, it can work for you.

It’s important to remember that you’ll need to coordinate your schedules, have duplicates of some of your child’s items and learn to cooperate even if you have a disagreement.

Remember that whatever you do has to work in the best interests of your child. You might have to plan around both your work schedules, too. Deciding how to do that has to start with your child’s schedule, then take your own into account.

1. Look at your schedules

First, look at the schedules you work. If both parents work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., then there are likely to be a few hours during which you need to hire a babysitter or to make other arrangements for your child after school. On the other hand, if one parent works 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the other works 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., it might be better for the second parent to have custody after school on school days or days when your child comes directly home from school. If your child has after school activities, the parent who gets off work later might be in a better position to pick him or her up.

2.Be realistic

If you really don’t have much time during the week, be realistic about having your child at home. It may be better for you to have weekend custody or custody on days when you don’t work.

3.Stay calm and committed

Finally, stay calm and committed to caring for your child with the other parent’s support. Even if things don’t always go as planned, hiccups are a way of life.

Continue doing your best, and we can help you make this work for you.