Tips For Coordinating Parental Responsibilities
When the separated or divorced parents of a minor child share custody, it can be difficult for them to coordinate schedules for custody exchanges, visitation, and other issues. However, it is important for parents to establish a stable method of organizing their responsibilities for the child’s sake.
Studies have shown that instability in parent responsibilities can negatively impact a child’s healthy development. Furthermore, a child who witnesses their parents bicker and argue is at risk for future behavioral and developmental issues during their adolescence and continuing into adulthood.
The following are important tips that parents can utilize to ensure their parental responsibilities are well organized to benefit their child.
Use Neutral Locations for Custody Exchanges
If one of the parties has a habit of showing up late to schedule custody exchanges, it helps for the parties to agree on exchanging custody of the child at a neutral location – such as a restaurant or cafe – that does not involve either of the parents’ residences. Restaurants and coffee shops are ideal examples of a neutral place for custody exchange so either parent can purchase something to prove that they were at the custody exchange on time.
Document Everything
The more difficult it is for parents to get along, the greater the chance for court involvement. Sometimes the fundamental nature of the couples’ relationship lends itself to disagreement and increased litigation activity in the future. In such situations, it is vital that the parties document as much as possible regarding their interactions with their former spouse. Reliable methods of documenting events can be used to either defend or advance allegations related to the parent’s ability and willingness to comply with their obligations and coordinate responsibilities with the other parent.
Use Technology
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to organizing parent responsibilities is being somewhat tied to your ex-spouse’s schedule. However, couples can mitigate the inconvenience of this aspect of managing custody and parental responsibilities by utilizing various time management and organizational apps.
Even the courts are becoming keen on the benefits that mobile and smartphone technologies provide divorcees when it comes to facilitating communication between the parties. Some judges have ordered some couples to use specific apps when dealing with their former spouse. One of these apps was designed with the assistance of former family law judge and attorney.
Keep in Touch with Your Attorney
Whenever a contemptuous issue arises between divorcees about their legal obligations pursuant to court orders or a marital settlement agreement, it is important that they let their attorneys handle communication. A spouse’s attorney can assess the legal implications of particular course action and report to the client the pros and cons of such an action. Furthermore, attorneys can remain emotionally detached from certain situations, making sure that your legal advice is not clouded by inflamed passions and upset emotions.
Contact Moshtael Family Law for Legal Advice
Divorce is a stressful experience, especially if sharing custody of a minor child requires you to work hard towards coordinating with your former spouse. If you need legal advice about your divorce and custody obligations, you should contact an experienced attorney from Moshtael Family Law. Our legal team is here to represent you and your family’s interests before the family law court and bring out the humanizing aspects of your case in a sympathetic way.
