If you are facing a divorce, it is very likely that you and your soon-to-be ex will be co-parenting at one level or another. If a difference in parenting styles played a role in your divorce in the first place, you can hardly expect the matter to correct itself post-divorce. The truth of the matter is that co-parenting can be a lot more manageable than you probably realize, and dispelling the following co-parenting myths can help. (Read more about divorce myths) Another important step you can take is discussing your co-parenting concerns with an experienced Fort Hood divorce lawyer. (Even the Simplest Divorce Can Benefit from an Experienced Divorce Attorney)
Myth 1: To Be a Successful Co-Parent You Have to Be Besties with Your Ex
You are getting a divorce, and it is very unlikely that you are feeling especially friendly toward your soon-to-be ex, and there is no reason that you have to. To be a successful co-parent, you need to establish a solid working relationship (the kind you make at work all the time – with people who will never be your friends). The work in this scenario involves hammering out a way to make decisions together that support your children’s best interests. If this means sticking to text-only communications, so be it. Whatever works for the two of you is successful co-parenting.
Myth 2: Your Custody Order and Parenting Plan Will Keep All Issues at Bay
You and your ex are parents, and parents – whether they are married or divorced – encounter issues when it comes to raising their children. After all, the following apply to every family:
- Circumstances change
- Children grow, and their needs and preferences change
- Parenting plans can be rendered obsolete
These are facts of parenting. Your custody order and parenting plan cannot possibly address every issue and concern you will ever face, and that is OK. When an issue arises that is significant to you, you will need to address it with your ex. Begin by engaging in negotiations, and if you ultimately need your respective divorce attorneys’ guidance – or even intervention by the court – there is no shame in it.
Myth 3: Every Disagreement Matters
If your ex has strong feelings about your children going to camp in the summer, for example, but – other than being inconvenienced by the dates and logistics – you are neutral on the topic, this is a matter that it might behoove you to simply go with. If, on the other hand, your ex has plans to take your kids camping for 8 weeks this summer and you have serious concerns about their safety, this is a disagreement that matters, and you should address it head-on with your strongest rebuttal.
It Is Time to Consult with an Experienced Divorce Lawyer
You and your ex can be successful co-parents post-divorce, and attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Fort Hood, Texas, can help you reach this admirable goal. While you may encounter rough patches along the way, our dedicated legal team is here to help you through them. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.
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