If you and your spouse have decided to get a divorce, there is a possibility that you do not see eye to eye on a lot of things, including how to raise your children. Georgia courts will make child custody determinations based on the best interest of the child, which often times means making sure that both parents remain actively involved in the child’s life via joint custody.
As many divorced parents will tell you, things do not always get easier once the divorce is finalized. As you begin to adjust to co-parenting, experts suggest you keep these tips in mind:
- Focus on your child’s best interests: You and your ex should have an understanding that you will always do what is best for the child and keep your focus on the child, no matter how you feel about each other.
- Maintain good communication: If you and your ex do not along, it can become all too easy to start badmouthing your child’s other parent to the child or involving your child in your disagreements. The best thing to do is to put aside your personal feelings, leave the children out of any adult conversations and communicate with the other parent directly.
- Maintain consistent schedule: It can be hard for a child to shuffle back and forth between two houses. Maintaining a consistent schedule can help the child feel comfortable in both parents’ houses and maintain a sense of normalcy for the child, even though their parents no longer live together.
Learning to co-parent effectively takes time and patience, but once your parenting plan is approved by the court, both parents will be legally obligated to adhere to the terms of the plan. A family law attorney can ensure that your plan addresses all of your child’s needs and help you learn to work together for the sake of your child.
