Most parents take their child’s well-being very seriously. Thus, in the event of a divorce, it’s not unusual to burn the midnight oil working out a co-parenting plan that will work for everyone. And if you get it right, co-parenting can benefit the child in a variety of ways.
However, co-parenting has its share of challenges. If you are drafting a co-parenting plan, it is imperative that you avoid missteps that can ruin your effort. Here are three co-parenting mistakes you need to steer clear of at all times:
1. Failing to set clear terms
Divorce can be an emotionally difficult period. It can be hard to think clearly and come up with a realistic plan. However, it’s crucial that you work out the finer details of the co-parenting plan. The more detailed and child-centric your co-parenting plan is, the more likely the court will approve it.
2. Undermining your co-parent
It takes mutual respect to draft and implement a co-parenting plan. For that reason, it is imperative that you do not disparage or undermine your co-parent’s authority, especially in the presence of the child. Doing so amounts to parental alienation, and it can derail the entire plan should the judge learn about your behavior.
3. Overlooking the child’s best interests
Ideally, family courts encourage arrangements when parents work out the terms of co-parenting on their own. However, you will still have to present the plan you arrive at to the court for approval. And for the court to approve your co-parenting plan, it must focus on the child’s best interests. Any plan that is not built on this will certainly be rejected by the court.
Protecting your interests
Divorce is tough for everyone, including the children. However, a thoughtfully-written co-parenting plan can help you avoid costly mistakes that may hurt your custody case.