Many Minnesota parents struggle to make joint custody work. Whether they have personality conflicts or scheduling difficulties, the two parties may end up arguing. In a worst-case scenario, they could end up back in court embroiled in litigation. Parents can avoid this when they follow some rules of co-parenting that incorporate respect and prioritizing the kids.
The first rule of issues that relate to the children is that everything must be in their best interests. More than just the standard that the court uses, the parents should prioritize their children’s well-being when doing anything relating to the kids or the other parent. With that in mind, they need to treat the other parent with respect and learn how to communicate with them in a professional and respectful manner. They must never bad-mouth the other parent to the children.
When focusing on the kids, parents must make sure that their children are heard, even if it is not what the parent wants to hear. The children need to feel that they have a sense of control when their life feels like it has been ripped apart. Accordingly, the custody schedule should be realistic and accommodate the children’s interests. Parents must consider the kids’ situations before they agree on a custody schedule.
One way to get a productive start on co-parenting is to retain a child custody attorney. The lawyer may help by negotiating a custody agreement in a way that focuses on the best interests of the children. The attorney might specify in the agreement how the two parties are to communicate with each other so that they can maintain mutual respect and work together cooperatively.
