Co-parenting can be a difficult thing to adapt to. It can seem impossible to work with your ex-partner, leaving you feeling lost and unsure of what to do. It’s crucial to have an effective plan for your joint parenting arrangement to achieve peace of mind.
Here at Bineham & Gillen, we’ve assisted with many divorces and know the difference between successful and unsuccessful co-parenting. With the proper regulations and effective collaboration, you and your ex-partner can share the parenting responsibilities without hassle. We’ve compiled a guide to help you navigate this process.
What Is Co-Parenting?
When divorce or legal separation occurs, ex-partners with children will navigate a collaborative parenting arrangement. Separated parents work to share the duties that come with raising a child. This shared agreement aims to provide stability and a positive development for children affected by divorce.
Tips On How To Co-Parent
It can be challenging for divorcees to work together to parent their children. However, a mutual arrangement where both parents are involved will help to leave a positive impact on the children.
Set A Schedule
As you both move on from the divorce, you will likely begin to pursue your own goals, and your schedules will change. In order for both of you to spend time with your children, talk with your ex-spouse about your new schedules. Agree on set times that seek to both meet each other’s needs and your children’s needs.
Remember, the schedule won’t be perfect for either one of you. It’s important to talk it out the best you can to devise a plan that suits your children best.
Avoid Negative Talk
Divorce isn’t an easy process for any of the parties involved. Regardless, it’s essential to remember to always put your children’s needs first. Avoid speaking negatively about your ex-partner in front of your children. The goal is to keep them out of your relationship issues as much as possible.
Team Up When Necessary
There will be many times when your children need more than just one parent. Whether it be birthday parties, graduations or sporting events, your children will likely want the both of you there. When these times come, both of you will need to work together to be there for your children. Work with your ex-partner as best you can to keep your children’s needs in mind.
Make An Effort To Compromise
There will be times when you need to work together with your ex-partner in certain situations. It may feel as if they’re impossible to work with at times. However, it’s necessary to make the effort to compromise. After all, you’re working together to keep your children’s needs in mind above all else.
Communicate Effectively
Communication is the key to a successful co-parenting arrangement. Initially, it may feel uncomfortable, but it will help you build schedules around your children and compromise in some situations. Efficient communication will show your children that both of you are making an effort to remain cordial despite your differences.
Benefits Of Effective Co-Parenting For Children
Healthy collaborative parenting doesn’t only make the arrangement easier, but it can also have a positive effect on your children. An effective co-parenting relationship has a variety of benefits for children. A few advantages they will experience are:
- A better understanding of problem-solving
- Healthy role-modeling
- A sense of security
- Emotional support
- Consistency from routines
With the help of our experienced family attorneys, you can achieve a collaborative arrangement that puts your children’s needs first.
Co-Parenting Rules For Texas Parents
A successful co-parenting relationship requires both parties to make an equal effort. However, there are a few legalities you’ll need to keep in mind during this process. Complying with your legal arrangements will make the process much easier for both parties.
Comply With Custody And Visitation Orders
Custody orders vary on a situational basis. The court will issue a legal mandate that details who will take care of the children and the schedule for visitation between both parents. Violating this order in Texas can put the offender at risk of fines or jail time in specific cases.
Pay Child Support Promptly
If child support is part of your arrangement, make sure to consistently pay the amount in a timely manner. Failure to pay child support can lead to legal consequences and may negatively affect your children.
Seek Mediation When Necessary
Legal separation can lead to conflict in some cases. When co-parenting is involved in this situation, you may want to seek legal mediation before escalating the matter to court. Mediation can help both parties reach a middle ground for their conflicts, reducing the need for legal intervention.
Document Important Matters
You’ll want to keep documentation or records of significant disagreements related to co-parenting. A well-documented history is beneficial if you need to seek legal assistance in the future.
Trust Bineham & Gillen For Co-Parenting Resources
Bineham & Gillen has a team of family law attorneys prepared to assist you during your legal proceedings. With over 30 years of family law experience, you can rest assured that we’ll work hard to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your family. Contact us today to explore your legal options.
