Being a divorced parent is not always easy, but it can be when you share custody with your child’s other parent. Co-parenting can be very similar to parenting in a single home. In other words, you may have to have many important conversations with your co-parent about your child with your co-parent on a regular basis — although a solid parenting plan can often provide good guidance.
Here are a few things to talk about with your co-parent as you navigate your parenting agreement:
1. Where will your child go to school?
Where your child gets their education is very important to their future. Your options for your child’s education may include public or private school. Private school can be expensive, so you may want to put your child through public school. However, you may also want to home-school your child. This can be a major decision that requires input from your co-parent.
2. Will your child have a religious upbringing?
There are thousands of different religious beliefs. A religious upbringing can have a huge impact on your child’s life. You and your co-parent may need to discuss your child’s participation in religious activities, especially if you and your co-parent have differing religious views.
3. How often do you expect to see your child?
One of your concerns about co-parenting may be how often you see your child. As a parent, you may not want to go long without seeing your child. But, you may also understand the importance of your child seeing their other parent. You may need to talk to your co-parent to discuss your expectations around a custody schedule.
4. Does your child have any special needs?
Having a child with special needs can present a unique situation that other parents will never experience. Your child may require more attention while they are home. How often your child needs special care can greatly alter a custody arrangement. Talking with your co-parent could help you strategize a plan to care for your special-needs child.
If you are facing difficulties with your co-parent, you may need to learn more about your legal rights.