Today, close to 37% of marriages end in divorce court.
When you’re getting a divorce, losing time with your kids is a reality that many parents fear. The divorce process doesn’t have to rob you of this since both parents have the right to create a plan for parenting that’ll help.
If you really want to remain involved in your child’s life to the extent that everyone deserves, it’s important that you get on board with the other parent. Keep reading to learn more about creating a parenting schedule that’ll work for you both.
Break Down the Needs of the Child
Your first step is to break down the needs of your child so that you can come up with a co-parenting schedule that works. This means considering things like:
- The frequency and location of your child’s extracurricular activities
- The location of your child’s schooling
- Medical needs of the child
- Preference of the child for their living arrangement
- Financial implications
Some parents might decide on a 50/50 parenting schedule, while others might have different levels of visitation that may include weekends, summertime visitation, and other arrangements.
Get Mediation Services
You might need a divorce lawyer to help you through the process but start by working with professional mediators that can assist you. A mediator will be able to hash out all of the issues that the two of you have that might create roadblocks for co-parenting.
These professionals are beneficial because they can save you money by cooperatively coming up with agreements, rather than fighting it out in court. After a few mediation sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to formalize your parenting arrangement so that you’re both on the same page for the betterment of the child.
Put the Parenting Plan in Writing
Never leave things to chance when you’re trying to come up with parenting arrangements. After some mediation sessions, you and the other parent will be able to document the conversations. These conversations will become productive when you keep a record that you can build off of.
Unpack the facts about your child’s needs, along with the desires of both parents, and from there you’ll be more accurate in your approach.
Keep Lines of Communication Open
The best thing you can do for yourself is to remain in constant communication with the other parent. When the two of you have issues that keep you from open and honest communication, it’s the child that gets hurt the most.
Misunderstandings become compounded and you’ll be less likely to come up with agreements that add normalcy and balance to your child’s life. Put your differences to the side and schedule some frequent conversations with the other parent that will help to empower you both.
Create a Workable Parenting Schedule
The tips above are useful when you’re trying to create a parenting schedule that’ll work out for you both, and most importantly – in the best interests of your child. You don’t have to let your rights and desires as a parent go by the wayside just because you get divorced.
Start with these points and check out our other posts related to family and legal services.