It is not uncommon for Minnesota parents to disagree on child-related issues, especially in a divorce. However, constant conflict can impede a concerned parent’s ability to achieve a fair settlement and may also cause disruption with an existing child custody agreement. If a parent is frustrated because his or her ex refuses to cooperate, he or she may want to consider parallel parenting as an option.
There is no way to co-parent after divorce without interacting with one’s ex, at least in communication and correspondence. If every in-person exchange is likely to result in an argument, a parent can lay boundaries to help avoid further conflict. Parallel parenting means that parents still work together but agree to do so in a way that does not necessitate being in the same room.
Parents can agree to correspond through email or text messaging to reduce the chances of a face-to-face dispute arising. There are also many mobile apps and online resources that can help a parent schedule custody transfer or create a calendar of events without having to meet with his or her ex to do so. Parallel parenting enables a parent to stay focused on children’s best interests without subjecting to constant bickering and arguing with his or her ex.
A concerned Minnesota parent may find certain issues difficult to resolve without reaching out for additional support, even in a parallel parenting situation. If, for instance, the other parent refuses to adhere to the terms of a signed child custody agreement, resolving the issue may require returning to court. In such cases, it is helpful to enlist support from an experienced family law attorney, who can protect a parent’s rights and speak on his or her behalf to reduce the chances of confrontation arising with the other parent during proceedings.
