Co-Parenting After Divorce: Tips for Effective Communication
When you and your spouse opt to divorce outside of court through a collaborative process, you can preserve your family unit. The process is amicable, for both of you – not win/lose like in a litigated divorce. Not only that, but your family is supported by a team of divorce experts who value amicable resolutions over going to court.
Not only are you supported with lawyers and financial neutrals, but your family, including your children, will have access to mental health specialists and divorce coaches.
A divorce coach can help you open communication and draft a co-parenting plan that works for all involved. This will make a way forward long after your divorce has been finalized.
Here are some tips we often share with our clients to help make co-parenting possible:
- Put your children FIRST – above your relationship with your ex
- Keep your conversations child-centered and purposeful – avoid digging up old issues
- Your tone matters, especially when your children are within listening distance
- Determine which way you will communicate with each other
- Create a shared calendar for essential dates that require scheduling
- Touch base often – minor conflicts are easier to work with than ones that have been simmering for a while
- When issues arise, and they will, take a breather before discussing anything
Parents who choose collaborative divorce often report less conflict and a better ability to work together as co-parents. Your children benefit from seeing adults resolve differences respectfully. With the help of a divorce coach, mental health and child specialist, along with patience, you both will see your child thrive even after your divorce has been finalized.
The Collaborative Practice San Diego is a nonprofit, multi-disciplinary referral network of independent professionals, including attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial advisors, working together to learn, practice, and promote Collaborative processes for problem-solving and the peaceful resolution of family law issues.
Contact us today to see how we can help preserve your family unit while working through the divorce process.
Note: This information is general in nature and should not be construed as legal/financial/tax/or mental health advice. You should work with your attorney, financial, mental health or tax professional to determine what will work best for your situation.
