Co-Parenting Communications: Five Ways To Avoid Controversy
Child time-sharing plans are routinely encouraged by the courts in cases of divorce and single parents. However, the fact is implementing these arrangements is inherently challenging. As the parents often parted ways on bad terms, it is natural to experience problems communicating and disagreements can easily escalate. Ultimately, this only creates additional stress for you and can potentially impact your child as well. Our Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer offers five tips on how to avoid controversy when communicating with your ex.
- Anticipate potential problems in your parenting plan.
Under the Florida Statutes, parenting plans are generally used when making child time-sharing arrangements. Much of the controversy that later arises between former partners could be avoided by anticipating potential problems when creating a plan.
Common disputes in these cases include sudden changes in scheduling, communications when the child is not in your care, and the right to make decisions on the child’s behalf. Provisions for these can be included in your parenting plan, as well as general guidelines for resolving any other disputes that are likely to arise.
- Avoid relaying information through your children.
Relaying information or messages to the other parent through your children takes a heavy toll on them and is likely to create misunderstandings and fuel disagreements at some point. Remember, the two of you are adults and should try to create a united front. Keep them out of any debates or disputes and avoid making derogatory comments in front of them.
- Make use of technology.
Between texting, emails, and messaging via various apps, there is no need to actually talk to your spouse on the phone unless you prefer this form of communication. Writing down what you want to say has advantages, provided you carefully consider your word prior to pressing send.
There are also numerous co-parenting apps on the market that offer messaging, shared calendars, and other tools to make communications less contentious and controversial. Parents.com provides a list of some of the best ones out there, as well as key features.
- Leave disputes in the past.
Controversy in communications is common when one or both parties harbor a grudge or keep bringing up unpleasant events from the past. Put these disagreements behind you, work on forgiving your former partner, and acknowledge that you are not necessarily the same people as when you were together.
- Acknowledge it is not about you.
Remember to put your child’s best interests first and not make everything about you or your feelings. Even if the other person made a terrible partner, acknowledge that they are the other parent and play an important role in your child’s life.
Discuss Your Case With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
The above are general guidelines for avoiding controversy in parenting plans. However, there are situations in which it is unavoidable and you may need to take action to protect both you and your child. To discuss your specific case, reach out to Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto. Call or contact us online today to request a consultation.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
parents.com/parenting/best-co-parenting-apps/
