You’ve decided to go through with a separation or divorce—and you have kids. So, what can you do to make it easy on both them and yourself?
When it comes to making joint custody work, it’s best to have certain rules in place that both partners agree not to stray from.
Here are a few you should consider.
1. Remember who’s really important—your children. It’s important to remember that joint custody isn’t about you or your ex—it’s about your kids. Creating an environment when they’re with you that’s positive and uplifting should be your top priority.
2. Never speak badly about the other parent. It doesn’t matter how bad your divorce was—you should never speak ill of your ex in front of the children.
3. Be realistic about time. Don’t go after the majority of custody time just to spite your ex if you have a busy schedule and won’t be able to be there for the children when they need it. It’s important to check any feelings of anxiety or insecurity at the door when it comes to custody grabs.
4. Remember that just because your marriage ended badly, your ex isn’t necessarily a bad person. It may be difficult to come to terms with this, but the sooner you do, the easier it will be to co-parent with your ex.
5. Learn to communicate. Co-parenting requires contact with one another. This doesn’t mean that you have to have lengthily phone chats with your ex every evening—some people find that texting, communicating through Google Calendars, or emailing works best. Figure out whatever it is for you and stick to it.
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We’d love to learn more about your needs if you’re going through a divorce or child custody arrangement. Contact our law firm today to work with one of Michigan’s most experienced family law attorneys.
We look forward to helping you.