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Divorcing with children is difficult. It is a process that requires a lot of patience, understanding and communication. You'll need to be able to work together with your ex-partner to make decisions about your children's upbringing, contact arrangements and finances. You'll also need to deal with the emotional impact of divorce on both yourself and your children. The court may attempt to make this process smoother by issuing a “status quo” order in many cases.
Maintaining the Status Quo
When a married couple with children decides to divorce, the court will often issue a status quo order. This order is designed to maintain stability for the children during the divorce process. It typically requires the divorcing couple to:
- Keep the same living arrangements.
- Maintain usual school schedules.
- Keep the child involved in the same extracurricular activities.
The goal of a status quo order is to minimize stress and disruption for the children during what is already a difficult time. In some cases, a status quo order may also include provisions for parenting time and decision-making responsibilities.
Disrupting the Order
Breaking a status quo order can have serious legal consequences. If the order is in place to protect the child's best interests, violating it can result in a loss of custody or visitation rights. In addition, the violating parent may be required to pay fines or reimburse the other parent for any expenses incurred as a result of the violation.
In some cases, breaking a status quo order can also result in criminal charges. Therefore, it is important to understand the terms of the order and adhere to them during the divorce process.
Divorce Attorneys in Jacksonville, Orange Park, St. Augustine and Fleming Island
At Owenby Law, P.A. our divorce attorneys are here to help you through every step of the divorce process. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family, and we will do everything we can to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We will work with you to determine the best course of action for your situation, and we will provide experienced legal representation throughout the divorce proceedings.
If you are thinking about beginning the divorce process, call us today at (904) 770-3141 or fill out our form online for a free initial consultation.