10 Common Mistakes and Oversights in Divorce Agreements (Related to the Children) (provided by Anju D. Jessani, Mediator) As a divorce mediator in private practice who also provides pro bono services in the New Jersey court system, I have reviewed over two-hundred divorce agreements. I also see couples coming back for post-divorce litigation and mediation. Often, what brings them back are errors, omissions and oversights in their original divorce agreements. So, for the benefit of those currently going through the divorce process, here's my list of top ten mistakes and oversights related to the children. 1. No Specific Parenting Schedule (liberal and frequent fast divorce divorce effects visitation clause). 2. No Provision of Access to or Sharing of Medical and School Records (although NJ law now provides for this). 3. No Provision for Discussion Prior to any Geographic Moves. 4. No Provision for Domestic and/or Overseas Travel and Travel Restrictions. 5. No Provision for Future Elective Medical Procedures Such as Orthodontia. 6. No Provision for Potential Impact of Loss of Employment or Disability. 7. No Provision on Method to Handle Future Disputes and Expenses. 8. No Provision for a Periodic Review of Child Support Amount. 9. No Provision for Changing Parenting Time Schedules with the Age of the Child. 10. No Provision for or Discussion of Future divorce effects divorce effects College Choice and Costs. Without going into details on each of the points, let me address the first point, because this is far and away the biggest problem for the courts. At the time of the divorce, one or both parents state that they don't need a schedule - they can work the schedule out and both parents are free to see the children anytime they want. This doesn't give the children much assurance. Most children need the security of knowing where they are going to be and with whom. Holidays become complete chaos with both parties wanting the children at the pa divorce law divorce effects same
