Manhattan Mediation Lawyer Discusses Co-Parenting After Divorce
As a Manhattan Mediation Lawyer, I realize that one of the most difficult things about divorce is breaking the news to your children. It is a very difficult topic to discuss but it is a topic that must be dealt with early on for the best interest of the children.
Day to day activities that were the norm are no longer the norm when parents are divorced. There are two residences to consider, two different schedules to consider and two different agendas and that’s just considering the parent’s schedules. Next, consider the child’s schedule involving school, after school and weekend activities. And, if there are more then one child, their schedules as well.
There are some co-parenting topics that should be discussed in advance to ensure the best interest of the children. It is also important to have open communication with your ex in order to create a safe and secure environment for your children.
Taking the Kids To School
Co-parenting requires the cooperation of both parents and advance planning. It is important to have an effective parenting plan that is realistic for both parents to follow. If one parent has to work early in the morning, it may be better for the other parent to take the children to school. If the parent who gets to work early, also happens to get off work in time to pick up the kids from school, then co-parenting for the children becomes a shared responsibility so there is not too much burden on just one parent.
Create a Stable Environment for The Children
It is best to keep the children in the same school district if possible. Divorce is hard enough on children, now if you ask them to leave their friends at school and their comfort level; it can be devastating to a young child.
Major Decisions Impacting The Children
A co-parenting plan must also take into consideration factors such as religion, morals, values, medical decisions and where the children will attend church and school.
Be Realistic With Your Commitments
Every loving parent wants to spend as much time with their children as possible, however, it is also important to be realistic about how much time is leftover after the demands of your career. If you have a job that requires you to travel frequently, then it may be better that the children spend more time with the parent that doesn’t travel.
These are some of the issues that parents need to consider when creating a co-parenting plan together. It may be challenging for parents to develop plans that will work for them and their family and parents may find that seeking the assistance of a professional may be a good use of resources.
If you are struggling with putting together a co-parenting plan that best fits the needs of your children, or need assistance with divorce mediation, contact Manhattan Mediation Lawyer Sabra Sasson at The Sabra Law Group today at (646) 472-7971.
