If parents get divorced in New York, they are still required to raise their children together. In most cases, the exes will develop a parenting plan that determines rights and responsibilities. The plan can stipulate when each is allowed to have physical custody of a child and the process that will be followed when a son or daughter is transferred from one parent to the other.

A parenting plan can also establish procedures for how parents will communicate with each other about issues related to their children. Keeping the lines of communication open is important whether parents share custody or if only one person has primary physical custody. In some cases, a parent may have legal custody rights even if they don't have physical custody rights. Legal custody allows a parent to either make or have significant input into major decisions about how a child is raised.

The plan should address what could happen if a parent needs to relocate for any reason. While a parent may not want to move to another city or state, this might be necessary to achieve greater financial security or to care for a loved one. Finally, the plan should address how disputes should be resolved or if it can be changed by either party.

Those who are seeking custody of their kids will generally need to show that they are fit to receive it. Parents may improve their chances to get physical or legal child custody by moving to a new home or getting a job in the same town where their children live. An attorney could help an individual prepare for a child custody hearing or other legal proceedings.