In Minnesota and elsewhere, there has been a fair amount of debate on the subject of co-parenting after a divorce. Some argued that shared parenting should be the default child custody in all divorces. Divorces, like marriages, come in every shape and size, and what works in one, may not work as well in another.
If you have children and want to raise your children after the divorce as co-parents, it can be done, but you have to recognize the challenges that will come with the arrangement. If you go in with open eyes and an open mind, co-parenting can be very successfully done.
Perhaps the most important element of co-parenting is putting your child or children first. Yes, you divorced your spouse, but you will both remain the parents of your children forever.
In Minnesota, the University has created a program with resources to assist parents who are divorced but wish to co-parent their children. It offers both online and in-person programs throughout the state.
Of course, co-parenting demands cooperation, and one way to help achieve that cooperation is to thoughtfully sit down with your attorneys and work out a parenting plan that will facilitate that cooperation.
The creation of a detailed parenting plan is valuable both as a roadmap for your child custody arrangements, but also as a means of setting your expectations.
By creating clear expectations for how things will operate “most of the time,” and methods of resolving occasional issues and dealing with crisis moments, your entire experience of co-parenting can see reduced stress. This translates into less stress for your children and a better experience for all involved.
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