Since divorce is rarely an easy situation for those involved, it is in the best interest of the children and the adults to at least try to keep the co-parenting experience positive for everyone. Often, the court will put a strict child custody and visitation plan in place at the divorce hearing, but it is sometimes up to the parents to develop their own workable plan.
Good communication is a vital key to successful co-parenting. While divorcing couples are obviously dealing with some ill feelings toward each other, it could be helpful for parents to maintain a united front for the benefit of their children. Parents can find many ways to stay in touch. Text messaging is one mode, but speaking over the phone or even in person is often a better way to keep things straightforward and to help avoid misinterpretations. Putting children in the middle as the go-betweens who are expected to pass messages back and forth is never a good idea.
There are several online tools and calendars that can help simplify family scheduling. If co-parents can manage to plan far enough in advance for school activities and other important events, it may help avoid negative outcomes.
When conflicts do arise, it is advised that co-parents discuss these matters separately away from the children. It is a healthy environment when children see that their parents can work together to keep consistency in their lives.
Child custody and parental rights issues might occur several times over the years following a divorce or at least until the children become adults. As life situations change, co-parents might find themselves back in court for a number of reasons. An attorney practicing in the field of family law might be able to advise parents seeking help to modify child custody agreements or co-parenting plans.