While nearly 50% of marriages will end in divorce, it’s important to understand that no two divorces are identical. As such, when your spouse makes it impossible to reach an agreement or work together to parent your children, you may wonder what your options are. Luckily, there are a number of different parenting arrangements that you can explore to determine what the best course of action is. The following blog explores two common options, co-parenting and parallel parenting, and how they differ. You’ll also learn how to decide which option is best for your family with the help of Long Island family lawyers to help you navigate these complicated matters.
How Do Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting Differ?
Co-parenting is an option that some families choose when going through a divorce in which both parents have custody. Typically, the parents will agree to set aside their personal differences and work together to continue raising their children as one family unit rather than separately. This means they will stay in communication regarding the child’s education, health, and well-being. Parents will often set and follow parameters to ensure there is consistency, especially in terms of what is expected of the child, chores, discipline, and values.
Parallel parenting, on the other hand, is an option in which the parents agree to raise the children independently of one another. This means there is little to no communication or collaboration regarding the child. In most instances, you’ll find that the child custody agreement will address matters related to things parents would typically collaborate on, like making medical or educational decisions for the child. Additionally, the court will ensure the document includes details on what information must be communicated to the other parent and a general timeframe in which that information must be shared.
Which Option Should I Consider for My Family?
When you are navigating a custody battle, it can be incredibly difficult to determine which option is best for your family. In general, you’ll need to determine how well you and your spouse are able to communicate. If your divorce was civil, if not amicable, you may be able to benefit from a co-parenting relationship.
However, if you and your spouse endured a particularly bitter, contentious divorce, in which communication was nonexistent, parallel parenting may be better for your circumstances. Unfortunately, many parents feel as though they are doing a “disservice” to their child by parallel parenting. However, by reducing the risk of conflict with your ex, your child will be subjected to less stress and anxiety.
Going through a divorce can be a particularly challenging process, especially if you have children. However, by working with an experienced attorney with the Sklavos Law Firm, our team can help you examine your options to fight for the best possible outcome. When you need help navigating the complexities of divorce and child custody, our firm is ready to represent you. Contact us today to learn more.