How to Navigate Co-Parenting Disagreements

Married couples who are filing for divorce may argue about who gets the dishes or who keeps the dog. But if the couple has children, by far one of the biggest battles in the divorce process concerns child custody.

Think about what is best for your child

When the Michigan courts consider child custody, they are guided by what is in the best interests of the child. You and your ex should be guided by the same. As difficult as it may be, it is best for your children that you both present a shared approach to co-parenting your child after divorce.

Determining parenting time

When parents share physical custody of their child, one parent may be given primary custody of the child with the other parent given parenting time. Or the courts may assign joint physical custody, where the parents share the time with their children equally. Coming to your own agreement regarding custody and parenting time has the most favorable outcome for both you and your ex, as well as for your child.

If your relationship with your spouse is such that you cannot come to any form of agreement regarding parenting time, an experienced family law attorney can work with you to reach the best possible outcome.

Overcoming the challenges of different parenting styles

It can be very difficult to work with someone whose style is very different from your own. This can be particularly challenging when you must try and work together for the sake of your child. Create a parenting plan for inclusion in your divorce agreement that specifies what your child’s bedtime will be on school nights, how time for homework will be scheduled, and other aspects of day-to-day parenting.

By working with your spouse to establish mutually agreed-upon guidelines for your child, you can prevent future disagreements and pave the way for a smoother transition for your children.