SAHM or ft/pt work better for residency?

[somanymiles]

Reposting from another topic in the hope that someone can advise. Is it better for me to work full-time or be a SAHM (or work pt) but rely on my DH's income in terms of court case for residency of children from previous marriage? What do the courts look upon more favourably - financial stability or being about when the kids get home from school? (They are 11 and 14.) Ex P does not have a stable job or income but is around for the kids. Hoping not to end up in court but want to be prepared. Have had an amicable separaryion for a few years but it is turning sour, and my maternity leave is ending. Thoughts?

These are your dc, by your ex? At those ages, they can decide for themselves.

At 11? Surely a court would want to know about our circumstances etc?

Depends what the issues about residency are. What is contact now? Where do kids live nOw ? Why can't you have shared residence ?

Who will provide for the kids if you don't work and your ex doesn't either ? (unless your new h v wealthy in which case maybe it doesn't matter... )

I work full time and have sole residency but there were serious issues with ex ....

Surely the starting point of your decision would be What would be in the best interests of the children' as opposed to What can I do to make sure I get residency'?

Either way - the 14 year old is old enough to decide and a court is unlikely to go against his/her decisions. The 11 year old will likely be near-Gillick competent and his/her wishes and feelings will be increasingly relevant at this stage.