Family Focused. Solution Oriented.

Resolving family law matters while preserving family relationships.

Developing a Co-Parenting Schedule

by | Dec 12, 2018 | Parenting

Adjusting to post-divorce life solo is already a challenge in itself. When you add a child to the mix creating a new normal can be difficult. What was once a single functioning unit now must learn how to operate separately in sync without grinding (too many) gears.  

Maintain ease with a co-parenting schedule

Developing a co-parenting schedule is a pivotal step in helping your child adjust to two separate households. Depending on the child’s age, their day may be filled with school to extracurriculars that need to be considered when creating the schedule.

Establishing a routine schedule that works for all parties creates a reliable structure that the family can always refer back too. No week is exactly the same, so parents who are civil can be flexible and adjust the initial plan as needed. Unfortunately, many divorce or family law cases contain some degree of emotional exhaustion or hostility. When tension are high and disputes arise, having a predetermined custody plan to fall back on can stop problems from escalating.  That is why you have a Court order.

Is the air already tense?

In an already tense situation, it’s easy to get angry if your ex isn’t communicating or sticking to the parenting schedule in your order. If court ordered conditions aren’t being met, like having the child too long or not following other possession related provisions in the order, we suggest you try and work it our with the other parent or party, but it may be good to discuss things with a lawyer to decide best options before firing off angry emails or saying things you later regret.

Depending on the structure of your custody order, you may have included a Right of First Refusal Clause. This means that before a parent can use a daycare service, relative, or babysitter they must give the other parent the option to be with the child first.  his clause will protect your right to have your child when they aren’t in custody of the other parent.

No matter what shared-custody decision is agreed on – successful co-parenting happens when both parties are respectful and flexible. Organizing schedules is already difficult, and only gets trickier while simultaneously adjusting to a divorce.  Put your child first and choose an arrangement that will work for you, your ex, and most importantly, your kids.

Contact Us Today

For a Confidential Consultation

Contact Us

512-478-1011

7500 Rialto Blvd., Bldg. 1
Suite 250
Austin, TX 78735
Map + Directions

Family Focused.
Solution Oriented.