Child Custody & Divorce Attorneys

Parenting is challenging enough on its own but throw divorce and joint custody into the mix and you have a whole new set of obstacles to navigate. But believe it or not, joint custody and co-parenting with your ex can be successful. It’s all about setting boundaries and following rules. Here are a few tips for sharing custody of your children.

Make your children the priority

Joint custody works when both parties put the children first. Don’t allow pride to create scheduling conflicts or arguments. You will need to put aside any personal differences to make the joint custody arrangement a success.

Keep your opinions to yourself

Just because your ex was a bad partner, doesn’t make him or her a bad parent. If you share custody (or even if you have full custody) it is important to keep your negative opinions of your ex to yourself. You do not want to make your children feel as if they have to choose between their parents. This includes keeping arguments between the parents and not using your children to deliver messages to the other party. The goal is to allow your children to have a relationship with both parents, free of guilt and influence.

Communicate

It might be helpful to look at look at the relationship as a business arrangement. Keep communication formal and remain focused on the shared goal: successfully raising your children. If face-to-face meetings run the risk of starting an argument, try communicating solely over email, text message, or phone. Keep the conversation topics focused on your children, don’t try to hash out disagreements in your relationship.

Choose a schedule

There are a number of different schedules used in shared-custody situations. The most important thing to remember is that once you choose a schedule, make sure you stick to it. Keep things consistent. You can even set up an online calendar in which both parents have access. You can share important dates and information to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Make decisions as a team

It is vital to form a united front when it comes to big issues in your children’s lives. Work together with your ex to decide on important issues such as schooling, medical care, etc. Keep rules and consequences similar in both homes. Be willing to enforce punishment if it carries over from one home to another. But remember: you probably won’t agree on everything. Pick your battles and be willing to compromise.

While divorce is challenging, raising children in a joint custody situation brings its own set of complications. Stick to our guidelines (or agree on a few of your own!) to make the situation as amicable and successful as possible. If you have any questions regarding joint custody or family law, contact an Orlando child custody attorney at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne to set up an appointment today.