Working together with a former spouse after ending a marriage is not easy, but for some California couples, it can be impossible. Child custody is often one of the most complicated issues to resolve in a divorce, but co-parenting is an option that allows the children to maintain strong relationships with both parents long-term. For two people who may not get along, this can seem like a challenge, but the key to making this work well is a commitment to communication.
Even when it’s difficult to work together, parents will benefit from keeping dialogue open between them. Whether it’s discussing potential changes in schedule or needs of the children, parents need to be able to talk about these things. Another thing that can make a difficult co-parenting relationship easier is to avoid talking badly about each other in front of the kids, and this can affect the kids perception of his or her parents.
There are some parents who co-parent without talking with each other. This can be difficult, but there are situations where this actually works better for that unique family. One key to making this type of co-parenting arrangement work well is to have a strong, thorough and thoughtful parenting plan in place. When both parties have a written plan and abide by it, they can provide continuity of lifestyle for their kids without having to talk.
It’s not easy to co-parent, especially after a difficult divorce. However, California parents can make their custody plan work well as long as they commit to keeping the best interests of the children as the main priority. Before agreeing to the terms of any type of custody agreement, a parent will want to discuss his or her concerns and goals with an experienced family law attorney.