It’s common for two people to stay together much longer than they’d like to for the good of the children. The truth is that, in many cases, it’s better for the child if the parents separate or divorce and learn to co-parent together.
At Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, when we’re working on custody cases, the well-being of your child or children is our top priority. That’s why we’re here today to offer some tips to help you successful co-parent more easily. To learn more about how we can help, contact us at 909-482-1422 to set up a consultation.
Live as close to each other as possible
Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to buy condos right across the hall from each other, but if you can live in the same school zone it can be a lot easier on the child. However, if that’s not possible, then live as close together as you can. The goal is to minimize the driving time – and hassle – of getting your child back and forth between parents.
Create a stable environment for your child
Your child is going to have one set of toys at one home, a different bed at another, etc. However, whenever possible, choose options that can work for both homes. For example, if you can keep them in the same school, allow them to continue at their church (if applicable), and ensuring they can see their same friends no matter who they’re staying with, then they’ll feel more stable.
Learn how to communicate with your former spouse
Not every divorce has to be contentious. It’s true that there are likely negative feelings but that doesn’t mean you can’t put that aside to have a collaborative divorce that focuses on what’s best for the kids. Make sure that you and your former spouse are going to be able to communicate about things like school schedules, birthday parties, discipline procedures, extracurricular activities, and other things that affect your child.
Try to be flexible with your former spouse
Once you come up with a custody agreement everyone agrees on, it can be tempting to insist that everyone stick to it. The reality is that things come up. Sometimes your former spouse is going to want the kids on a day that isn’t theirs. Before you put your foot down and say no, remember that there will come a day when you’ll need them on your former spouse’s day. If you want them to be flexible with you when that time comes, then be flexible with them.
Keep your eye on what’s really important
It’s so easy to get bogged down in petty disagreements and aggravations. The reality is that co-parenting is a job. Think of your former spouse as your co-worker. It’s likely you don’t like 100% of the people you’ve worked with in the past but you didn’t simply shut down and refuse to talk to them. Instead, you had to find ways to work together no matter how you felt about them. The same is true when it comes to parenting your child.
To speak to an attorney who can help with your family law concerns, contact Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell at 909-482-1422 today.
