When you share children with another, you most likely will continue communicating even after your divorce. Hopefully, you and your advocate have worked to create a custody plan that promotes positive communication between you and your co-parent.
However, even the best-developed plan can fail if one parent continues to be combative. Improving your co-parent communications can make a world of difference in the success of your post-divorce parenting plan.
Try these positive co-parent communication tips
Some Fort Lauderdale parents may try to sabotage your custody plan. Do not let yourself get drawn into these communication pitfalls. When your co-parent sees that you cannot be baited, they will likely give up and accept the child custody order without further incident.
- Check your attitude: Instead of matching your co-parent’s combative attitude, strive to remain calm, professional and courteous when dealing with your ex. A proactive approach may help your co-parent communicate positively, as well.
- Choose to be concise: Unless you are on good terms with your ex, it is wise to keep your communications brief and on topic. In other words, avoid discussing matters that do not involve your children.
- Listen to your co-parent: Sometimes the other parent has a valid complaint about custody or parenting time situations. Make sure to listen to what your co-parent has to say before you automatically react negatively.
- Be open to compromise: If your ex has a reason for not cooperating with your plan, be willing to compromise. However, you should both avoid violating the custody order. If your arrangement is not working, go through the proper channels to remedy the situation. For example, ask your legal counsel to file a request to modify your child custody order.
Learning more about Florida child custody can also help you find the best solution.