Though sometimes for the best, divorce can often be a contentious and nasty issue. When you add children to the center of two feuding parents, it can serve to make matters worse. As such, ensuring you and your ex co-parent as effectively as possible is vital to providing a healthy environment for your children. However, this is not always easy, and there are many co-parenting issues that can make this increasingly difficult. The following blog explores solutions to these issues while explaining how a Somerset County family law attorney can help you with any legal issues you may have.
What Are the Most Common Co-Parenting Issues, and How Can I Solve Them?
One of the most common problems co-parents face is that they still hold anger and resentment toward their ex. This causes several issues when trying to work together. For example, you may find that you and your ex cannot send a text without name-calling or passive aggressiveness. This only serves to heighten tension. As such, doing everything you can to keep your messages as neutral as possible is essential. Avoid responding to aggressive or nasty texts. If you must speak to your ex, keep it about your children and nothing else.
Another issue you may find is that when you exchange your kids, it always seems to start a fight. The most important thing to consider in these situations is that you do not want to argue in front of your children. When picking up or dropping off your children, you’ll want to do everything possible to remain calm and civil. Show up on time and stay polite yet neutral. If your ex continues to make things challenging, your attorney can help get your custody arrangement altered so these swaps can be arranged in public.
What Should I Do if These Problems Violate the Custody Arrangement?
When co-parenting, it’s essential to remember that you and your ex-spouse’s primary focus should be on ensuring that your child’s happiness and health are the number one priority. As such, issues with your ex should not get in the way of prioritizing your child. Though it’s not always easy to take the high road, your child will thank you.
However, there are instances where you may need to consult an attorney regarding violations of the custody arrangement. For example, if your ex is chronically late to pick up or drop off your children, refuses to give them back on time, makes legal decisions without you, or takes your children without notice, you’ll want to document these instances to bring to your attorney.
Your ex may be ordered to comply, held in contempt of court, or must pay fines. However, you may also find that the custody arrangement is changed should their behavior negatively impact your children.
If your ex refuses to be civil and violates your custody agreement, it’s essential to do everything in your power to hold them responsible. At the Siragusa Law Firm, we understand how frustrating this can be. As such, we will work to help you and your children achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
