The process of determining child custody after divorce can be complex, difficult, and time-consuming, not to mention emotionally draining for all involved parties. However, in order to minimize problems, most experts advise parents to work together to develop a legal custody and visitation plan and then have it formally enacted by the court system. In highly contentious custody cases in which the divorcing parents have a hard time cooperating and carrying on ongoing communications, the court may impose a strict schedule of custody and visitation rights. However, in most cases, parents work together to develop a custody agreement and then submit it to the court for approval. This approach is advantageous because it grants both parties an opportunity to devise a convenient and suitable agreement that works well in the context of their unique family environment.