Divorce does not have to be dramatic. It does not have to be chaotic. If parents can agree to go through the process with the best interests of their child at heart, it can be a somber, amicable process. Unfortunately, fathers have a much more difficult time co-parenting because they are often not awarded custodial rights and can be disadvantaged in court custody arrangements. Since they have less time with their kids, the pressure of keeping their connection is immense, which can cause a myriad of other issues that put negative pressure on a Orleans Parish co-parenting relationship.
Communication
New Orleans experts agree that one of the most important keys to a good co-parenting relationship is communication. Of course, this is the reason why many marriages fail, but for the kids, if there was a communication issue, solve it. If that means counseling or therapy, do it.
We never know what we do not know, and getting outside help can, at least, teach us how to communicate, and then, help former spouses figure out how to communicate with each other. Almost every problem can be solved by good, clear and honest communication.
Documentation
Since Jefferson Parish fathers can start out at a disadvantage, it is important for them to be overprepared for court, should it be needed again in the future. This means that you should document every interaction, including what occurred, the time, date and any witnesses. These documents should be kept contemporaneously and supplemented with e-mails and text messages.
Never erase e-mails or text messages without ensuring they are backed up somewhere, including when you change cell phones. Most phones automatically delete old text messages.
Make sure you have records of those messages because you do not know what will be needed later, and it is better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. Remember, St. Charles Parish child custody is often the most litigated item in a divorce, and it rarely stops there.
Consistency
As a general rule, Louisiana children strive for consistency, and keeping a consistent schedule will help your kids deal with this new transition. And, the better they deal with this new way of life, the better you will be able to handle it as well. As such, when co-parents create a schedule, stick to it, and only modify it when there is truly an emergency.