Navigating the co-parenting process following an Illinois divorce is often an emotional and logistical challenge. But if the parents can learn to co-parent in a positive and supportive way, their children will reap the benefits in the short and long term. Here are a couple of tips for effectively co-parenting with an ex-spouse long term.
Tips for elevating the co-parenting experience
One of the most important steps for developing a healthy co-parenting relationship is for both divorced spouses to respect the essential roles that each party has in their children’s lives. Together, the parents cooperative efforts help their children understand how to treat other people, solve problems and communicate effectively. Ideally, if the parents can be friendly, at least when the when the children are around, it may help the kids to feel more secure and also provide a road map about how to handle difficult situations.
It’s also to avoid allowing their children to become allies, confidantes, messengers or spies. This sometimes happens when parents start sharing details about their divorce with the kids. Refrain from giving them reasons for the divorce discussing the financial settlement with them.
How an attorney can help
As a divorce proceedings move forward, each spouse will need to figure out how to handle financial matters, such as asset and debt distribution as well as spousal support. It is also important for them to create a comprehensive parenting plan to detail how time will be shared with the kids and to address what decisions the parents will make together. An experienced Illinois family law attorney can help to provide guidance through the entire process and with any issues that arise.