If you are divorcing your spouse/ending a relationship and have children, you will have to navigate this process more delicately than other couples for the sake of the children’s wellbeing and to ensure you receive the best possible custody arrangement for your circumstances. Understandably, since you are ending your marriage/relationship, you may find it difficult to remain on agreeable terms with the other parent to field your way through this delicate situation. However, the benefits of doing so are too great to ignore.

Why You Should Cooperate with Your Spouse/Other Parent

After your divorce/separate/end a relationship, you and the other parent will continue to be in each other’s lives as you raise your children together, so one of the best things you can do now is foster a more cooperative and civil relationship with your soon-to-be ex-spouse/partner.

It is always best to focus on what is in the Best Interest of the Kids, instead of what is best for the parents. And if at all possible, it is best to hammer out a very specific, written,co-parenting agreement/stipulation that can be made an order of the Court. I have had great success working with clients to create plans/agreements that are right for their families needs. Would you rather create your plan or have the Judge do it for you?

And it is always best to hammer out this written agreement when you are still on good terms with the other parent.

Since family courts believe both parents should support each other’s relationship with the children and be in the children’s lives, it will reflect positively on you in court if you show a willingness to work with your spouse.

On the other hand, if a judge believes you are not supportive of the other parent’s relationship with the kids or that you may even interfere in their relationship, this will have a negative impact on your ability to retain a favorable child custody arrangement.

What does it mean to cooperate with your spouse on matters pertaining to child custody? Here are some examples:

• You make decisions based on the wellbeing of your children instead of basing them on how effectively you can harm your co-parent. Focus on what is best for your children.

• You are willing to consider different visitation and custody arrangements, but you are also able to clearly explain your preferences.

• You are honest when answering questions about your history and current living situation.

• You understand your weaknesses and strengths as a parent.

• You acknowledge the benefits of maintaining a positive relationship with both you and your spouse to your children.

Cooperating with your spouse/other parent on child custody will benefit you and your children, so it is essential to do your best to keep the situation civil rather than turning it into a contentious battle.

As a mom and attorney who loves to help clients with very specific visitation and custody agreements I can tell you, it takes work to create this agreement but, when done properly you will be much happier than having a Judge make these very important decisions for you.

Reach Out to Our Compassionate Family Law Team to Discuss Your Child Custody Case

If you are pursuing a divorce and have children with your spouse, you will need a skilled and compassionate attorney on your side. At The Law Offices of Andrea Schneider, our knowledgeable divorce attorney is committed to helping families navigate some of the most complex legal and sensitive legal issues, including child custody. Divorce is rarely easy for anyone, but with our team, you can rest assured you will reach a resolution as smoothly as possible.

Call our law office today at (619) 304-8499 to set up an initial consultation to discuss the details of your case.