How Can I Co-Parent Effectively With My Ex?
Although some divorced couples remain friends, most drift apart and prefer it that way. If you have children, though, your ex-spouse is always going to be a part of your life.
Sharing custody is never easy, and the transition from a two-parent home to two a one-parent home will be challenging for everyone involved. Regardless of the reasons for the divorce, though, it is important to remember that you love your children more than you hate your ex.
As long as your ex-spouse is a fit parent, you will probably end up with some kind of joint custody arrangement, which is usually in the best interests of your children. According to the American Coalition for Fathers & Children, children can actually benefit from shared residential custody arrangements.
If you are in the middle of a custody dispute, turn to a child custody lawyer at The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. Mr. Raheb can help you avoid making key mistakes that could compromise your personal or financial interests. Call 866-949-0888 to schedule an initial consultation with a Naples child custody attorney today.
Let’s explore some of the ways that you can co-parent effectively with your ex-spouse:
- Acknowledge Your Ex’s Good Qualities
A bad spouse can still be a good parent, and chances are some of the qualities that you once loved about your spouse still exist. Sharing custody of your children will be a lot easier emotionally if you acknowledge that it’s in their best interests to spend time with their other parent. Co-parenting will go much smoother if you acknowledge that your ex still possesses some good qualities.
- Do Not Let a New Partner Get in the Way
You may eventually start dating again, and at some point, you may want your children to meet your new partner. It is perfectly healthy to bring someone new into your life, as long as you do not let him or her affect your current relationship with your ex.
If your new partner is threatened by your co-parenting relationship with your ex, he or she may not be ready to date someone with children. At the end of the day, your children should be your priority, and that means ensuring you maintain a healthy, communicative relationship with their other parent, regardless of how any new partners might feel about it.
- Establish a Support Structure for Yourself
It is important to stay fairly composed in front of your children, but that does not mean you should bottle up your feelings. Establish a support structure that consists of people you can turn to when you need to vent. This might include some combination of close friends, family members, other single parents at your children’s school and therapists.
According to a review originally published in the Journal of Family Psychology, one of the key components of a successful co-parenting relationship is a joint investment in the children, which means always looking out for their best interests. If you are going through a custody battle and you are concerned about your children’s best interests, turn to a child custody attorney at The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A.
Call 866-949-0888 to schedule an initial consultation with a Naples child custody lawyer today. You can learn more about child custody in Florida by visiting USAttorneys.com.
