Many parents in Florida who go through a separation or divorce choose to co-parent. However, co-parenting can be challenging, even on a good day. It requires cooperation, communication and unwavering commitment from both parents. The following advice may be a big help to parents who have a co-parenting or shared parenting child custody arrangement.
Respect
To make co-parenting work, parents must maintain a certain level of respect. Understandably, the past relationship could make this difficult, but try to leave the past in the past and come together for the children. Parents do not have to agree on every decision, but respect that they both have the best interests of the kids at the center of each decision.
Cooperation
Cooperation is the foundation of a co-parenting arrangement. To make it successful, parents need to commit to cooperating and working together to raise the children as best as they can. Parents should put their differences behind them and show the kids that they are a team working together to do what’s best.
Communication
It goes without saying that communicating with an ex-spouse may not be an easy thing to do. However, effective communication between parents is crucial for successful co-parenting. The methods of communication are just as important as the act of communicating itself. Although texting and email are convenient ways to communicate, they can be open to misinterpretation. Many times, just making a phone call can do wonders for communication.
If parents always put the needs and well-being of their children above all else, co-parenting will be successful. Speaking with a legal professional could be helpful for parents in Florida who have questions about child custody laws or arrangements. An experienced family law attorney can answer questions and offer specific guidance.