Divorce can become complicated, especially for high net-worth couples. However, when kids are involved, those complications only grow, and kids necessitate an ongoing relationship, well after a divorce is finalized. This is why most parents are looking for advice on how to make that ongoing co-parenting relationship easier.
This was not planned
First, from a mentality perspective, both spouses must acknowledge that neither spouse signed up to raise kids in two different households. Neither Florida spouse wanted to tackle the challenges of co-parenting. Once they accept this, both spouses should agree to keep the best interests of the child at heart in all subsequent interactions to make this new reality as successful and stress-free as possible.
Communication, communication, communication
Second, both parties must agree to open and honest communication. While this is easy to say, it can be one of the hardest aspects to reconcile for divorcing couples. This is because, often, communication breakdowns were part of the reason for the divorce. This may mean that they will need some kind of counseling service, but as long as both ex-spouses agree to do their best, that can go a long way in helping the co-parenting relationship thrive.
Plan ahead and stick to the plan
As part of the divorce process, the court will likely decide on a parenting plan that will include custodial and noncustodial rights. The parents are expected to plan out as much as humanly possible at that time, including holidays, custody arraignments, etc. Once this parenting plan is agreed to, stick with the plan. That plan should only be changed in emergency situations. Consistency is key to the well-being of both Florida parents and children.
Keep as much in writing as possible
Unfortunately, especially in contentious Coral Springs, Florida, divorces, the court will be needed later to solve disputes. This is why both spouses should document their interactions as much as possible.
This means, after having a conversation about the children in which the parents have come to an agreement, put that agreement in writing and e-mail or text it to the parent. It could be as simple as, “based on our conversation, little Billy will spend Christmas with your family and Thanksgiving with my family.” And, make sure both parents are utilizing the same online calendar to make sure parenting plans and custody arraignments are always reflected in some shared written space.
