No parent can be with his or her children all the time. When you are not available to care for your kids, you use your best judgment to select an appropriate babysitter. This person may be a professional, like a nanny, or an amateur, such as a friend or relative.
According to WebMD, responsible parents should consider several factors when selecting a babysitter. If your ex-spouse is cavalier or reckless, he or she may leave the kids with someone you do not trust. Therefore, you may want to put a first right of refusal in your custody agreement.
What is a first right of refusal?
A first right of refusal gives you the option of seeing your kids during your non-parenting time. Indeed, with this type of provision in your custody agreement, your ex must ask you to watch your kids before he or she asks anyone else to do so.
Can you refuse?
A first right of refusal does not require you to watch your kids during your non-parenting time. Rather, it gives you the option of being the babysitter. If you refuse, your ex is probably free to ask anyone else he or she chooses.
How can the provision benefit you?
A first right of refusal benefits you in a couple of meaningful ways. First, you may get to see your kids even during your non-parenting time. Second, you can keep those you do not like or trust from taking care of your children.
Ultimately, if you simply do not trust your ex-spouse’s decision-making capabilities, putting a first right of refusal in your custody agreement is sure to benefit both you and your children.
