Most co-parenting plans are drafted with the best intentions. Done right, co-parenting offers several benefits to the parents and the child.
However, co-parenting comes with its share of challenges. Even though you have been parents to your child since they were born, your relationship is bound to change after the divorce. Therefore, if you are working on a co-parenting plan, it helps to beware of and avoid pitfalls that can lead to its failure.
Here are common mistakes that lead to the failure of co-parenting plans.
Failing to lay out clear terms
It may be hard to think clearly and come up with a realistic co-parenting plan during the divorce. During those emotional moments, working out the finer details of a co-parenting plan may require focus. This is where the expert guide comes in. Working with a mediation expert who understands Pennsylvania custody laws can help you go through the process in a rational and non-emotional manner while taking into account the best interests of the child.
Undermining the other parent
Disparaging the other parent or undermining their authority in the presence of the child is damaging, especially for the child. It can jeopardize the entire co-parenting plan should the matter come to the attention of the other parent or the court.
Failing to put the child first
At the core of co-parenting is the child’s best interest. However, there are instances when parents tend to lose focus on this. It’s important to understand that your co-parenting plan is likely to fail if it is centered on your interests rather than the child’s.
A carefully written co-parenting plan can help focus on the best interests of the child after the divorce. Find out how you can create a custody and co-parenting plan that works for everyone.
