What Are the Most Common Issues Associated with Co-Parenting, and How Can I Prevent Them? 

 Posted on January 30, 2023 in Child Custody

It is true that while a divorce is almost always difficult for the adults involved, it is often even more difficult for the children involved. Illinois courts believe that once a divorce has been finalized, it is in the best interests of the children to have both parents stay involved in their life. Having both parents involved in the lives of the children usually involves co-parenting between the recently divorced parents. As can be imagined, there can be serious complications that come with co-parenting. 

In this blog, we will look at common issues that are associated with co-parenting and how to avoid such problems from arising. If you are seeking a divorce, consider consulting with an experienced divorce attorney to help you and your former spouse work together to ensure the divorce impacts your children's lives to the least extent possible. 

Common Co-Parenting Issues

It is crucial to keep in mind that you and your former spouse must have the best interests of your children in mind before you go about trying to co-parent. If your divorce was a particularly bitter one, this could be difficult. However, at least trying to co-parent is essential so your children have the support they need. Common co-parenting issues include the following:

• Parenting time – When you and your ex-spouse create your formal parenting plan, you must be specific as to what responsibilities each parent will be responsible for while keeping in mind your children's schedule. Your parenting plan must be consistent with your child's schedule to reduce your child's anxiety moving back and forth between you and your ex-spouse. It may also be wise to revisit your parenting plan every couple of years to stay updated to fit the child's changing needs and best interests. Please keep in mind that any parenting plan modification must occur after the court has approved such modifications.

• Badmouthing your ex in front of the children – Unfortunately, this is very common and can also be highly detrimental to the child. While you may have problems with your ex-spouse, it is important to remember that they are still the parent of your child. If you have any problems with your ex, address them directly with your ex and not through your child.

• Respect other ex-spouse’s parenting style – Your ex may have a different parenting style than you. This is ok. It is important to respect their parenting style as long as it benefits the children's best interests. Parenting styles may be addressed in your divorce agreement, where you and your ex-spouse can set forth, for instance, disciplinary guidelines that you and your ex-spouse will abide by. Your ex-spouse will likely respect your parenting boundaries if they are clearly addressed in your agreement. 

Contact a Naperville, IL Divorce Attorney

If you are getting a divorce and have minor children, contact the skillful DuPage County divorce lawyers with Pesce Law Group, P.C.. Call 630-352-2240 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://goodmenproject.com/parenting/5-common-co-parenting-conflicts-and-how-to-resolve-them-cmtt/

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8300000&SeqEnd=10000000