Which Method Is Better For Your Situation?
How you and your ex-spouse move forward with parenting your children depends entirely on your situation post-divorce. How much conflict remains between the two of you may dictate how you move forward with parenting. While some may choose co-parenting, some may be better suited for parallel parenting. Here is what you should keep in mind.
Co-Parenting
If you and your ex-spouse are able to solve problems and make decisions on behalf of a child together despite living separately, co-parenting may be the best option for you. In co-parenting, parents typically work together to do what’s best for their child. They may attend school functions or medical appointments together and may communicate updates often to keep each other informed of important news related to their child.
Co-parenting requires a willingness to communicate openly with the other parent as well as the ability to be flexible and to compromise when necessary. Therefore, co-parenting tends to work best for divorced parents that remain on good terms with one another.
Co-parenting allows for children to see cooperation in action despite difficult circumstances. This may encourage them to foster positive relationships with both you and your ex-spouse and may teach them much about conflict resolution, a skill they may need as they age. The stability a child has in their life increases, as well.
Parallel Parenting
On the other hand, if you and your ex-spouse have a high amount of conflict between you or want little to no interaction with each other, parallel parenting may be the best solution. Parallel parenting allows each parent to maintain their individual parenting style without interference from the other parent. Everything regarding their child is kept separate from one another, and often the two will not attend important functions together and will keep communication to a bare minimum.
Parallel parenting works for individuals that do not want to raise tension in an already damaged relationship that may have an impact on their child. Choosing to reduce conflict can have a positive benefit on your child, and putting your child’s needs first in such a way can benefit the relationship they have with both of you.
Consulting an Attorney
Custody issues can be incredibly sensitive and stressful to work through. It may be difficult to determine how to best help your child after a divorce. At Gille Kaye Law Group, PC, we’re here to help you. We can guide you throughout each step of the legal process in order to help you and your children arrive at the best possible outcome.
To schedule a consultation with a member of our team, call us at (626) 340-0955 or visit us online.