FORM
5.3A Appendix to Custody Order
Certain rules of
conduct generally applicable to custody matters are set forth below and are
binding on both parties,
the
breach of which could become the subject of contempt proceedings before this
Court, or could constitute grounds for amendment of our order. If these general rules conflict with the specific requirements of
our Order, the Order shall prevail.
1. Neither party will
undertake nor permit in his or her presence the poisoning of the minor
children's minds against
the
other party by conversation which explicitly or inferentially derides,
ridicules, condemns, or in any manner
derogates the
other party.
2. The parties shall
not conduct arguments or heated conversation when they are together in the
presence of their
children.
3. Neither party will
question the children as to the personal lives of the other parent except
insofar as necessary to
insure the
personal safety of the children. By this we mean that the children will not be
used as spies on the other party. It is harmful to a child to be put in the
role of ``spy''.
4. Neither party will
make extravagant promises to the minor children for the purposes of
ingratiating himself or
herself to
the minor children at the expense of the other party; further, any reasonable
promise to the children should be made with the full expectation of carrying it
out.
5. The parties should
at all times consider the child or children's best interests, and act
accordingly. It is in a child's
best interests to
understand that he or she is trying desperately to cope with the fact of his
parents' separation, and needs help in loving both parents, rather than
interference or censure.
6. The partes should remember that they cannot teach their
children proper moral conduct by indulging in improper
conduct
themselves. Children are quick to recognize hypocrisy, and the parent who
maintains a double standard will
lose the
respect of his or her child.
7. Weekend and
evening visitation shall be subject to the following rules:A. Arrangements will be worked out
beforehand
between the parties without forcing the children to make choices and run the
risk of parental displeasure.
However, the children
shall be consulted as to their schedules.B.
Visitation rights should be exercised at reasonable
hours and
under circumstances reasonably acceptable to the other party and to the needs
and desires of the minor
children.C. If a party finds him or
herself unable to keep an appointment, he or she should give immediate notice
to the other party, so as to avoid subjecting the children to unnecessary
apprehension and failure of expectations. D. The party having custody of the
children should prepare them both physically and mentally for the visitation
with the other party and have them available at the time and place mutually
agreed upon.E. If either party or a child has plans
which conflict with a scheduled visit and wish to adjust such visitation, the
parties should make arrangements for an adjustment acceptable to the schedules
of every one involved. Predetermined schedules are
not written in stone, and both parties should be flexible for the sake of the children.F. If a party shows up for a visit under the
influence of alcohol or drugs, the visit may be considered forfeited on those
grounds alone.
8. During the time
that a child is living with a party, that party has the responsibility of
imposing and enforcing the
rules for
day-today living. However, unless otherwise ordered, both parents should
consult with one another on the
major
decisions affecting the children's lives, such as education, religious
training, medical treatment, and so forth.