Child-Centered Divorce

I hope you are well today. As a family lawyer, I see firsthand how emotional and difficult the divorce process is, especially when children are involved.

July is National Child-Centered Divorce Month, which honors the divorce process in which parents set their differences aside and make decisions with the best interests of their children in mind. 

Equally important is what comes after. That’s why I wanted to share a few tips for co-parenting in a child-centered way after a divorce is final.

• Communicate openly and honestly: It's important to keep the lines of communication open with your former partner to ensure that you're both on the same page when it comes to parenting decisions. Be honest and respectful with each other, even when it's difficult.

• Put your child's needs first: It’s easy for things like visitation schedules to feel like a battleground between parents. Be ready to take a step back from any discussions, so you can make sure your child's needs are what is driving your position.  

• Create a consistent routine: Children thrive on routine, so it's important to establish a consistent schedule for visitation, homework, and bedtime. This will help your child feel more secure and stable.

• Respect each other's parenting styles: You and your ex-partner may have different parenting styles, but it's important to respect each other's choices and work together to create a united front for your child.

• Seek outside support when needed: Co-parenting can be challenging, so don't hesitate to seek outside support from a therapist or mediator if you need help navigating difficult situations.

If you have any questions or would like to talk more about child-centered divorce, co-parenting, or other family law-related issues, please don't hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help however I can.