Divorce Guide

Divorce Guide


How To Co Parent With an Ex Spouse


How to co-parent with an ex-spouse is worth pondering. For some it is an easy task, but for others it can turn out to be a riddle. For the custodial parent it is a matter that requires a very balanced and thought out approach.

Janet was divorced and bringing up her 8 year old daughter on her own. She divorced Jack because he was a drunkard. Although Jack loved his daughter very much and wanted her custody, the court of law did not deem him fit for bringing up the child.

Poor Jack was given a visitation right which was not enough for him to enjoy the company of his daughter. As a result, Jack started meeting his daughter after school or while she was out to play in the park. When Janet came to know about this she was very disturbed. She did not want her daughter to meet Jack alone as he was a drunkard.

Co-parenting has its own challenge. Non custodial parent can cause trouble in many ways. They can avoid paying alimony; try to cajole the child to come back to him, and so on. On the other hand custodial parents can come in between the visitation schedules, do not accept the advice of the non custodial parents regarding important aspects like child’s education, finances, etc.

Here are a few tips on how to co-parent with an ex-spouse:

Have a planned divorce decree: Include everything important in your divorce decree. This is key to successful co-parenting. Do not leave any open ends in your divorce decree. This will avoid contentions in future and help in better co-parenting.

Forget your own differences: While you are separated you still bear the responsibility of parenting together. Thus in order to successfully co-parent with your ex-spouse it is important that you forget your past differences and cooperate for the sake of your child. Put your child’s interest first.

Take the help of the court: In case your ex-spouse is not adhering to any of the divorce clause, for example not paying child raising expenses, alimony, or not following visitation schedules, then go back to the court for enforcement.

Do not interfere while visitations: Although you might feel lonely while your child is away to spend time with your ex-spouse as per visitation schedule, try and leave them alone. Do not try to control the child’s interaction with his non custodial parent. This defies the whole purpose of co-parenting.

Involve the non-custodial parent: The non custodial parent should be equally involved in all the important decisions pertaining to the child. Whether it is education, training, investment, or medical needs, the other parent should be definitely consulted.

Take professional help: In case you are not able to co-parent successfully, take professional help. There are counselors who will advise you on co-parenting and how to think in the best interest of your child.

How to co-parent with your ex-spouse is not very difficult if you are sincere for your child’s future. With proper planning, a systematic approach, and patience, you can win the battle of co-parenting.


Divorce in Europe


Divorce and Children
Divorce Laws
Financial Issues
Legal Information
Divorce in Switzerland
Divorce Advice for Europeans
Post Divorce Issues
Divorceand Legal Assistance

Divorce in Australia


Divorce Guide



                                                                                                                                          Related Links        Site Map

© All Rights Reserved, Divorce Guide Room