One assumption that many people in Tennessee make when leaving their spouses is that they will be able to sever all ties to the other parent entirely. While the law allows for people to end their marriages with divorce, it does not stop them from being parents.
In order for parents to co-parent peacefully and effectively, they must communicate and act respectfully to each other. Some people have a hard time dealing with all of the emotions and concerns divorce brings about and become incredibly challenging to work with. If you are contemplating a divorce, take time to understand your situation and everything that is at stake. Keep the following pointers in mind about co-parenting through divorce.
Put the personal issues aside
Every decision made during divorce will have an impact on your life for many years. It is challenging to make the right decisions when there is so much drama and arguing going on. A better way to approach co-parenting and the divorce itself is to look for other healthy alternatives for venting emotions.
Create a parenting agreement
Put your parenting responsibilities, wants and needs on paper. Share them with the other parent and encourage her or him to do the same. Talk things through and create a parenting agreement that works for everyone in writing. Keep in mind that the courts must approve the agreement before you can follow it. Be sure to address details that include the date, time and location of exchange; holiday, school, extracurricular activities and vacations; contingency plans for emergencies; parenting expectations/rules; and conflicts.
Going through a divorce is hard on everyone, especially kids. They deserve and need both parents in their lives to provide them with a strong foundation. Child custody and parenting time are two of the most significant issues of contention in divorce cases. Parents must learn to put aside their differences and use their children’s best interests to help them make the child custody and parenting time decisions that the courts will accept.