Co-parenting, shared custody, or even custody sharing are all names for the same thing. This is when parents separate and each plays an active role in the children’s lives. This may be a complex scenario and is often much easier said than done, especially if you split up on less-than-friendly terms. All the same, the legal system typically ensures that both parents can be active in their children’s lives, and here are five tips to help make this task an easier one, as well as help you stay within a reasonable childcare budget.
1. Improve Communication With the Other Parent
To begin with, try to make sure that your communication with the other parent is as open and straightforward as possible. Keep things peaceful, consistent, and straightforward. In case of any conflict, try and keep it private from the child. The worst thing that you could do in a situation in which you’re not on good terms with the other parent is to use your child as a messenger. This is not just immature, but it also places an unnecessary burden on the child as it puts them in the middle of the conflict. Remember this and communicate everything clearly and in good time, seeking assistance from your lawyer in case of anything.
2. Stay Within the Law’s Stipulations
Remember that if you want custody sharing to be easier, you need to stay within the confines of the law. If you’re unsure about anything, talk to your lawyer to seek clarification before you act. For instance, your lawyer may share information such as that in PA, if one parent moves and leads to the child having to travel for over one hour between the parent’s homes, this move is considered to be a relocation. By following the legal stipulations, you avoid causing issues that could introduce strain and complication.
3. Put Your Children’s Needs First
Next, make sure to always put your child’s needs first. This means that whenever you’re making plans, try to do what would benefit your child and cause them the least issues. One example is making sure that they’re comfortable at all times, and this includes when they go to sleep. In this case, you may want to invest in a spring mattress for their bed to make sure that they can sleep comfortably through the night. Keep in mind that spring mattresses have actually been around since 1857. They’re still one of the most popular types of mattresses.
4. Try to Be Consistent
Consistency is going to save you a lot of headaches while co-parenting. This is because you’ll be able to set a clear schedule that will enable you to live your life better, all without impacting your child’s stability. You can also make plans for holidays and special occasions a lot better if you have a schedule that you stick to. One such event that you may need to plan well for is going boating. In the year 2020, there were almost 12 million registered boats in the United States according to Statista. This means that whether you own a boat or not, you can rent one and have an amazing time on the water if you choose to.
5. Document Everything
Last but not least, remember to document everything. This can make things easier in case the co-parenting leads to further legal action. When you have clear records of all interactions as well as any witnesses present, it will be easier to keep everyone accountable. These five tips should help you have an easier time sharing custody with your child’s other parent. Don’t forget that it might be rocky at the start but will settle down properly with time. Try and keep any bitterness that you may have aside so that you can give your child the best chance to spend time with each parent.
