0 Five Tips to Improve Co-Parenting During Your Separation and Divorce

by Michael Garner, One-eighty Counseling

Life did not turn out the way you had expected it. You are heart-broken, angry, and for some, maybe even a little relieved that the relationship is over. Your ‘happily ever after’ story has ended in a separation. However difficult, you know you still have to work together with your ex regarding your children. Being a single parent is not easy, and can be down right exhausting at times. It is hard knowing you have less time with your children while also knowing you have ‘no control’ over what happens at the other house. This can be extremely frustrating and anxiety provoking. However, with some help, the co-parenting relationship may help lighten the load. Remember a few key points when it comes to co-parenting.

1. The relationship ended, not your role as a parent

2. Your primary focus has to shift

3. You can still co-parent successfully, despite your differences

4. Never put the kids in the middle

5. Say only positive things about your child’s other co-parent

The relationship has ended, but your role as a parent has not. You still have a high responsibility to help raise your kids to the best of your ability. Your attention now shifts to your children. This will be a trying time for everyone, but you have to focus on what is best for your children as well as taking care of yourself. Despite the frustrations of the events, you have to do what is best for the kids and be willing to put aside your differences to focus on the children. Protect your children, allow your kids to be kids and never put them in the middle of your conflict. They have enough going on as they attempt to figure out this new normal. Finally, one of the most important pieces is to stay positive and keep the negativity away from your children. All the negativity may unknowingly push them away from you.

As you can see, being a single parent can be extremely difficult, but if both parents can put their differences aside and mutually agree to do what is best for their children, you will see tremendous results. Your children will adapt to this change much quicker and with more security and comfort knowing that both parents continue to love and care for them.

0 Triangle Divorce Lawyers 2018 Spring Equinox Event

One of the most valuable assets a law firm can provide to its client, other than legal advice, is a list of trusted referral partners who have proven themselves to past clients and dedicated themselves to providing the best customer service and experience for the clients that are personally referred to them. Triangle Divorce Lawyers has spent over a decade creating a trusted list of referral partners to provide to our clients as an added value when retaining us. Continue reading

0 The benefits of thinking about a parenting plan

When North Carolina parents who have young children go through a divorce, they may think a parenting plan is just another piece of paperwork to complete. However, these plans can have value when parents take the time to consider what will happen with their children once a marriage ends.

Ideally, a parenting plan serves as a guide to assist with scheduling and the changing needs of a child. In most cases, parents share legal custody. This means both parents have an input on major decisions while each parent makes day-to-day choices when having physical custody. In regards to physical custody, the parenting plan shows how a child’s time will be split between the parents.

Both parents likely need to work together and compromise to form a mutually beneficial arrangement, and this may be the best way to prevent or minimize conflict and the negative aspects of a divorce that children experience. The parenting plan presents an opportunity to identify and solve possible issues without court intervention.

If problems do arise during co-parenting, a detailed plan that considers the challenges a couple may face helps stop arguments as parents can turn to their agreed-upon plan instead of fighting. This gives parents a chance to focus on what they agreed on when they were in a more rational mindset.

Those going through a divorce may have trouble communicating with a spouse when making important decisions like those concerning a child or children. Using mediation or negotiation might help partners reach decisions that work well for everyone involved. When possible, using alternatives to the court process could allow both parents more control and freedom than when a judge makes determinations. Both parties should have separate legal representation throughout the process.