Parenting Plans and Co-Parenting Strategies for Divorcing Couples
Going through a divorce is a challenging time for many people. Your life is changing and the person you envisioned sharing the rest of your life with is no longer going to be there. Divorcing with children adds another layer of complexity to the situation. You still have to get along with this person for the sake of your children, and you both have to raise your children together, yet separately. Parenting plans and co-parenting strategies can be the key to making this situation work. Here are some tips to help you with your parenting plans and co-parenting strategies from a divorce attorney.
Learn to Communicate
Learning to communicate with someone is challenging, especially during this emotionally charged period of time. However, it’s extremely important to learn how to communicate to reach an amicable parenting plan and to co-parent effectively. You and your soon-to-be ex should find a way to work together, such as emailing to discuss key issues or talking on the phone for 30 minutes each week to keep the other parent up to speed on the child’s schooling or activities.
Set Boundaries With Flexibility
Co-parenting is all about setting boundaries, yet being flexible. A divorce attorney recommends being flexible where you can. For example, it’s important to understand that things happen. Your ex may be stuck in traffic and may be running five minutes late unexpectedly. You need to roll with these situations. However, if it starts becoming a habit of your ex being late for pick-ups, you need to set firm boundaries so your time is respected.
Keep Your Child’s Best Interests in Mind
Always try to keep your child’s best interests in mind in the parenting plan you put together. It can be hard to think about being away from your child for the holidays or the other parent experiencing a first with your child that you have to miss out on. While it can be hard, you have to think about your child and do what is right for them, not what feels emotionally comfortable for you.
It’s not uncommon for people to divorce. According to the CDC, the divorce rate in the U.S. is estimated to be 2.3 per 1,000 people. 43% of couples divorce within the first 15 years of marriage, and around 50% of all marriages end in divorce. But, your children don’t have to be stuck in the middle of this situation if you and your ex can come up with parenting plans and co-parenting strategies that work for both of you. A divorce attorney can help you to achieve a fair and reasonable parenting plan.