For many couples, the most complicated part of divorce revolves around custody of the child. It can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that you may not see your child daily like you’re used to, however, putting emotions aside and focusing on co-parenting is critical. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, issues can arise with these arrangements. If you share custody of your child, familiarizing yourself with the most common co-parenting challenges can help you better prepare yourself if issues should arise. Additionally, you’ll discover how the Pennsylvania child custody lawyers at Berman Voss can help with any problems you may face.
What Is Co-Parenting?
Co-parenting is a way for both parents, who are no longer together, to create cohesion and consistency for their child. This is when parents who share joint custody of the child work together to raise the child despite no longer being romantically involved.
What Co-Parenting Challenges Can Arise?
Co-parenting is effective for some couples, as it allows the child to have consistency in their life while maintaining a relationship with both parents. However, a wide range of issues can arise.
For example, if the parents have different lifestyles, it can be difficult for the child to adjust to the rules and changes every time they switch households. While screentime may be acceptable in one home, it’s limited in the other, or what is perfectly fine at mom’s may be against the rules at dad’s. Unfortunately, these changes can sometimes confuse or overwhelm a child. This is why both parents should be on the same page and establish the same set of rules in this respect.
Another common co-parenting issue is the inability to set personal feelings aside, If you are still angry at your spouse or they are still hurt by your actions, it can make working together difficult. Unnecessary conflict can arise, and cause tension that makes this method of working together difficult.
Additionally, issues regarding communication are often found in these situations, as one parent may not communicate effectively. If your ex is supposed to text you after your child’s doctor appointment and forgets to or fails to communicate effectively and respectfully, this can be problematic and make co-parenting challenging.
When Must I Contact an Attorney?
Though you and your co-parent may be able to work out problems together, this is not always the case. In some instances, connecting with an experienced attorney is in your best interest. For example, if your co-parent regularly fails to adhere to the parenting plan established by the court, you should collect evidence of violations before contacting your attorney. They can help have the order enforced or modified, depending on your needs.
Berman Voss understands how frustrating it can be to work together with someone when there are hard feelings involved. However, if you’ve taken this route for the sake of your children, but your co-parent isn’t doing what they need to, Berman Voss can help. Their attorneys understand the complexities of this matter and will do everything they can to help you handle these issues. Contact Berman Voss today to learn more.
Disclosure:
This website offers general information and is not intended as formal legal advice. Do not rely on this general information for making legal decisions. Each legal situation is unique and requires personalized attention from a qualified attorney. We are not your legal representatives unless a formal representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Berman Voss.