When Minnesota parents decide to file for divorce, they often encounter challenges as they try to devise a co-parenting plan. Most parents want what is best for their children. However, each parent might interpret that differently, which can lead to complications when negotiating child custody plans.
It is understandable that co-parents want to avoid stress as they move on in life in separate households. As parents of the same children, however, divorce does not eliminate the need for interaction. In fact, making an effort to communicate effectively can have a positive impact on a co-parenting plan. In short, correspondence between co-parents is not meant to be a portal for former spouses to re-air their past marital problems; instead, agreeing to keep discussions focused on the children’s best interests means less stress for everyone in the long run.
Writing out a thorough co-parenting plan can also help co-parents keep stress to a minimum. When nothing is in writing, there is a lot of room for confusion and disputes. When it is all in writing and a child custody calendar is posted in each home, it is easy to refer to the written plan if questions or disagreements arise.
Former spouses in Minnesota and elsewhere can avoid co-parenting stress if they agree to approach their post-divorce relationship as a business partnership. The children’s well-being is the top priority and a willingness to compromise and cooperate can help the whole family successfully adapt to a new lifestyle. While co-parents working together can keep stress to a minimum, there is no guarantee that legal issues will not arise at some point, in which case, it pays to know where to reach out for experienced support.
