Co-parenting can be a challenging endeavor – especially if your marriage did not end amicably. In the aftermath of an emotionally charged divorce, it may seem impossible to share custody with your ex. However, most children benefit from having both parents in their lives, and even if your ex was a bad spouse, this does not necessarily mean that he or she is a bad parent.
According to Psychology Today, sole custody is often better than time-sharing if two parents cannot get along. If you are facing divorce and you have children, these six tips can help you make co-parenting work:
- No badmouthing;
- Do not be selfish;
- Avoid unrealistic plans;
- Customize your agreement;
- Support the relationship;
- And communicate amicably.
If you are getting divorced in Arizona, contact the Zachary Law Group, P.L.C. Steven Zachary is a divorce attorney in Chandler who will evaluate your situation and help you avoid mistakes during the divorce process.
Call 480-389-3533 to schedule a free case evaluation. You can also learn about divorce laws in Arizona by visiting divorce.usattorneys.com/arizona/.
Here are six tips to help you co-parent with your ex:
Rule 1: No Badmouthing
Parents who badmouth each other in front of the kids cause unnecessary stress. You should not force your child to take sides. In fact, you should actively encourage a healthy relationship between your child and the other parent.
Rule 2: Do Not Be Selfish
It is important to put your children’s interests before your own. The divorce was about you, but co-parenting is about the kids. Be willing to compromise with your ex, and your co-parenting arrangement will go much smoother.
Rule 3: Avoid Unrealistic Plans
You must be realistic about what you can and cannot do as a single parent. According to Parents.com, it is important that single parents create reasonable schedules and stick to them. Do not make plans or promises that you cannot fulfill; this will lead to conflict with your children or your ex.
Rule 4: Customize Your Agreement
Each child is different and has unique interests and needs. Consider the activities, interests and ages of your kids when working on your co-parenting calendar. Use a template as a starting point, and include everyone’s social, medical, academic and developmental requirements.
Rule 5: Support the Relationship
It is crucial that you support your children’s relationship with your ex. Most kids benefit socially, academically and developmentally from having both parents in their lives.
Rule 6: Communicate Amicably
You cannot co-parent successfully without being amicable toward your ex. Try to be friendly – if not for yourselves then for your children. Emails, text messages and other means of communication can help you converse with your ex without fighting.
If you are getting divorced in Arizona, contact the Zachary Law Group, P.L.C. Steven Zachary is a Chandler family lawyer who can answer your questions about child custody, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, alimony and other family law matters. Call 480-389-3533 to schedule a free case evaluation.
