Co-parenting in Rogers County while you are in a new relationship requires a delicate balancing act. You not only have to pay attention to your children and ex-spouse, but you also need to consider the wishes and feelings of your new partner. While it is not easy to keep everyone pleased at all times, you can keep a few things in mind to make co-parenting in your child custody case work while you are in a relationship.
When Your Ex-Spouse is Being Difficult
Co-parenting in Rogers County while dating someone is going to be more challenging if your ex is determined to be difficult. To begin with, you can limit the details or information about your present dating situation while communicating with your former spouse. Do not bring the new relationship to their knowledge early on, if you think they are not going to handle it well. Only when your new relationship becomes deeper or more serious, you may want to update your ex-spouse about it.
Remember that while co-parenting in Rogers County, you are well within your rights to introduce someone new into the life of your child without prior permission or consent from the other co-parent after a divorce or paternity case. (But recognize that they too have the same right.) Avoid creating drama around your new partner or your kids, if your ex shows signs of being difficult. Maintain careful boundaries in order to make life easier for everyone.
Avoid bringing your new partner to pickups and drop-offs. Until your relationship gets serious, your new partner may also avoid attending any events or activities that involve the child. Sometimes when the co-parenting gets extra difficult parenting classes might help.
When Your Ex-Spouse is More Accommodating
If the understanding between you and your former spouse is reasonably good, it gets easier to introduce your new partner into your children’s life. However, some limits may still have to be drawn to ensure peace for everyone involved. For example, it may be okay to attend your child’s school event with your ex or have a joint birthday party for the child.
But once you are in a new relationship, should you visit your ex-spouse’s home for watching a family movie with kids or mix with your ex’s family at their private events (where the child is not involved)? These are the areas you will need to tread carefully in order to maintain a balance in your relationships.
For the sake of providing a healthy childhood to your kids, it’s not really necessary for them to have the co-parents be present together at the same time and same place. What is essential is that the co-parents should be respectful to each other and get along well for making the best joint decisions for the child’s upbringing.
Maintain Balance with New Partner while Co-parenting
While your children’s best interests should be most important for you as a co-parent, it does not have to happen at the cost of giving a second-hand treatment to your new partner. Each relationship has its own value and can be given equal priority.
For instance, if there is something for your child that the other co-parent can easily handle, you don’t need to cancel a date with your new partner for it. At the same time, do not force your kids to form a relationship with your new partner. Allow the relationship to evolve at its own pace.
If you need legal advice for your divorce or another family law matter, call the Kania Law Office Claremore attorneys law firm at 918-379-4872. You may also contact us