4 Most Common Causes for Family Disputes and Problems

In the family court, disputes lead to hearings and exhausted legal proceedings. Family members that cannot get along or reach an agreement are quick to start a legal claim instead of just talking to each other. Problem-resolution practices help family members find suitable ways to settle their differences and avoid lengthy legal cases. The following are the 4 most common causes of family disputes and problems.

1. Religious Views and Affiliation:

A family conflict emerges when divorcing parents won’t agree on religious views or affiliation. The religious beliefs of either parent cause conflict if the two parties don’t share the same beliefs or parenting style. In legal matters, the custody arrangement defines what parent has decision-making power over the religion the child follows.

In a joint custody arrangement, the parents share the decision. In a sole custody arrangement, one parent makes the decision. However, if either parent believes that the opposing parent’s religious beliefs place the child at risk, then he or she brings the matter to the court.

2. Parenting Time Schedules:

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all resolution when it comes to parenting time. Work schedules reduce the time spent with the child and create further conflict. The standard arrangements provide the custodial parent with more time with the child, and the noncustodial parent receives visitation on weekends.

When the visitation periods aren’t ideal, one or both of the parents file a petition. Instead of attending a hearing, the parents visit a counselor to find non-legal ways for settling family disputes. Through negotiations, the parents work together to improve the parenting time schedule.

3. Taking Care of an Elderly Parent:

Families seek a legal resolution when they fail to agree about caring for an elderly parent. The typical disagreements relate to placing the parent in a nursing home or how care is shared among family members. Siblings assume that one or the other misuses their parent’s financial assets and take action to protect the assets or gain control over them.

Legal guardianship is the next legal step when families cannot reach an agreement. However, if the family seeks counseling, then they have an option for settling their differences without going to court. Once legal guardianships are approved, any other family members are cut out of the decision-making process, and this often leads to a dissolution of family ties.

4. The Rights of Grandparents:

The death of a spouse isn’t the same as a divorce and leads to new disputes and issues among families, such as estrangement. The deceased spouse’s parents have a legal right to visit with their grandchildren. Unfortunately, in-laws don’t see eye-to-eye always and don’t agree on parenting styles always. This leads to conflict and discourages the surviving spouse from welcoming the grandparents into their life or the life of their child.

The next legal step for grandparents is to file a claim for grandparents rights. The outcome depends on if the surviving spouse has just cause why the grandparents shouldn’t get visitation, such as a risk to the child. An alternative strategy is to meet with a legal counselor and work through their differences instead of involving a grieving child in a court battle.

All families face difficulties and disagreements that are matters handled in family court. However, the outcome of the cases generates future problems with families and makes relationships strained. Legal counseling is an alternative to litigation and helps families manage their problems privately.