When parents divorce, they have to come up with a plan for child custody. This isn’t always an easy process. Parents who get things figured out sooner rather than later might help their children to feel more stable during the divorce.
There are many different parenting arrangements that might come with a child custody order. One of these is co-parenting. Here are some frequently asked questions about this style:
What does it mean to co-parent?
Co-parenting means that you and your ex will work closely to raise the children. Typically, these arrangements mean that both homes have the same rules. Both parents spend a lot of time with the children. Some of that time is spent as one family unit. For example, both parents and the child might go on field trips together or celebrate holidays together. This isn’t always ideal for parents, but it does provide consistency for the children despite the change in family dynamics.
What happens if there are disagreements?
There are bound to be disagreements in every co-parenting situation. In these cases, it is important to remember that compromise is the key to making things work. There isn’t room for one parent to try to force things to happen their way. Instead, thinking about all the possible solutions, even creative ones, can sometimes help you and your ex to resolve the issues faster.
Co-parents might not always be able to work things out between them. When this happens, it might be necessary to ask the court to step in and make a decision about important matters.
