In Florida, the law favors parents remaining active in their children’s lives after divorce. Therefore, courts prefer seeing time-sharing and parenting plans that provide both parents with equal access to the child. Only in a few circumstances would the courts prefer ordering sole parental responsibility. If you got divorced in Florida and the court awarded you shared parental responsibility, you should know that such an arrangement can highly benefit your child. For example, this arrangement can help make the divorce less impactful on your child. However, this is only possible if you and your child’s other parent successfully co-parent.
Rarely is co-parenting after a divorce easy. It can be a real struggle. However, it is important that you and your child’s other parent find a way to successfully co-parent for the sake of your child. The following are some helpful tips for successful co-parenting after divorce;
Tip #1: Think of it as a New Chapter
It can be tempting to despair after a divorce, especially when children are involved. However, to ensure effective co-parenting after divorce, you should not despair. The truth is that life after divorce can change for the better for a child. For example, when a child no longer has to deal with the endless arguments between his or her parents, they can lead a better life. Instead of despairing and beating yourself up, look at this as a new chapter and embrace co-parenting.
Tip #2: Put Anger and Hurt Aside
It is okay to feel angry and hurt after divorce. In fact, you should allow yourself to feel these emotions. However, successful co-parenting requires parents to put aside their emotions and put their children’s needs first. Co-parenting is about your child’s stability, happiness, and future well-being. It is not about your feelings.
However, this is not to say that you should deny your emotions. You need to recognize your feelings. Just do not let your emotions dictate your behavior. Instead, let what is in the best interest of your child (which is cooperating with the other parent) motivate your behavior.
Tip #3: Be Respectful
Successful co-parenting requires parents to respect each other. Even though you and your child’s other parent are staying in contact because of your child, you should respect each other. Successful co-parenting requires parents to watch what they say to each other and their children. This includes watching what you say about the other parent to your child when the other parent is not around.
Tip #4: Rebuild Communication
Divorce can break down communication between parents. If this happened in your case, it is best you work toward rebuilding communication with your co-parent. It might seem impossible, but it can be done. Just think about rebuilding communication with your co-parent as being what is best for your child’s well-being. And, remember, you do not have to always communicate with your co-parent face to face. You can speak over the phone or exchange emails or texts for most of the conversations. The goal is to communicate, so see what works best for you.
Contact a Family Law Attorney
If you need help with a family law-related matter, do not hesitate to contact a family law attorney at Tampa Bay Legal Center, P.A., at (813) 341-3333.
