- April 23, 2025
- Divorce
Moving Forward After Divorce Can Be Demanding
Do you love your children more than you dislike your soon-to-be ex-spouse? Of course you do; there is nothing like the relationship between children and their parents. If you have elected to divorce, your marriage is likely irreparable, and that is okay. Circumstances change and people grow apart; what may have seemed perfect when you married may no longer work. It’s possible that permanently separating is the best option for you and your children. That said, while marriages end, parenting is forever.
When moving forward separately, parenting together can be more difficult than imagined.
Co-parenting is challenging. But doing so effectively is important for your children’s well-being. There are actions you can take to help make the future a place of calm for both you and your children. Some require the assistance of a Colorado family law attorney while others are things you can manage alone.
Co-Parenting Strategies for Divorced Families
The unknown is always stressful, and for those who have minor children and are embarking on the road to divorce, even contemplating the future can be overwhelming. Making wise choices as you prepare to navigate your new normal can help life seem more manageable and the future less stressful.
Even couples whose relationships are amicable can struggle with parenting after divorce. Below are some proven strategies to help pave the way for smooth co-parenting.
Listen Actively – Speak Respectfully
While your marriage may not have been what you expected, your spouse likely still has some admirable parenting qualities. Now is the time to put animosity aside and focus on the good you see in each other as you begin to care for your children as a divorced couple.
First and foremost, you must focus on clear and courteous communication. All questions and concerns should be raised politely (ask, don’t demand), as outlined in your divorce agreement. While 50/50 custody is possible in Colorado, more often than not a less equal division of time is the reality. The parent with whom the child spends the most time is said to have physical custody, but this does not mean they have sole decision-making authority. Most parents share legal custody of their children. This means that decisions regarding their upbringing (like medical, education, and religion) must be made together.
When possible, regular and consistent communication that focuses on the children and their well-being is best for the family as a whole
Develop a Mutually Agreeable Parenting Plan
Parenting plans are drafted to finalize care for the minor children of separating or divorcing couples. These documents outline physical custody, vacation and holiday planning, legal custody, decision-making authority, and visitation.
These plans are best built with the guidance of a Colorado child custody lawyer. Working with a professional protects your children’s best interests and ensures the documents comply with Colorado law. Additionally, ironing out custody and visitation can be emotional and may turn contentious. Having the guidance of an attorney who is uninvolved in the personal aspects of your relationship with your soon-to-be ex-spouse can foster a smooth transition.
Having a plan with which both parents are comfortable plays a tremendous role in co-parenting effectively. When schedules and expectations are predetermined, there is less on which to disagree, leaving space for peaceful co-parenting.
Carefully Finalize All Child Support Agreements
Nothing can derail a relationship faster than monetary disagreements. For this reason, finalizing your child support agreement is paramount. When decisions are made regarding child support payments and plans are established for managing extraneous expenses, parents need to abide by the agreements. Of course, financial situations arise that require discussion but minimizing these tends to improve co-parenting.
The counsel of a child support attorney is invaluable during this challenging process. They can provide objective advice as they help you work through the calculations and draft reasonable agreements that are fair to all parties involved and provide the best care for your children.
Address Changes With Compassion
While your lives are evolving, it is important to remember that so are the lives of your children. Remember, they are accustomed to living in one house, with both parents, a situation that will change. Even when carefully managed, their reality may be turned upside down. It is important to keep their well-being at the heart of all decisions and discuss these inevitable changes calmly and kindly.
Change is never easy; it is up to both parents to take the steps necessary to make the initial transition from one home to two and the long-term movement between residences as seamless as possible. You can:
- Discuss your plans with your children positively and in an age-appropriate manner.
- Explain to your children which days they will spend with each parent.
- Provide advance reminders of when it is time to change households.
- Ensure your children have everything they need at both homes. They should not have to travel with toiletries and school supplies and should be comfortable wherever they are.
- Develop easy-to-follow new routines.
- Remain calm; children can feel your anxiety and feed off it.
Providing your children with the best possible life experience should be the end goal of all changes and actions.
Price Family Law Is Ready to Work With You
Helping You Prepare for a Future of Co-Parenting
Compassion, self-discipline, flexibility, and honesty are the cornerstones of positive co-parenting. An experienced Colorado family lawyer can help lay the solid groundwork you need to move forward separately but together.
Led by Trista Price, the team at Price Family Law has an outstanding reputation for providing advice and counsel on preparing the legal documents (parenting plans, child custody agreements, and child support documents, to name a few) necessary to forge a smooth co-parenting situation.
Divorce requires significant adjustments for parents and their children; managing the myriad of changes effectively can positively impact your children and your co-parenting relationship as you move forward.
For more than a decade, Price Family Law has been working with families in Denver and throughout Colorado. Their knowledge of state law is complete and their approach to service outstanding. They understand and appreciate the emotions associated with divorce and co-parenting and bring empathy and kindness to every situation.
Safeguard Your Future – Contact Our Team Today
If you have decided to divorce, or believe you are going to, the time to engage professional representation is now. The components of divorce are numerous and complex, and you must do everything in your power to protect your future and those of your children.
Price Family Law recognizes that connection is critical in cases like this. As such, they provide all potential clients with a free consultation to see, in person, how they communicate and to learn more about their approach to service. Contact them today at 720-615-1750 to schedule yours.
Each family is unique and must be treated as such. Price Family Law’s approach is based on this tenet. Their team listens carefully to gain a complete understanding not only of the legal issues, but also the family dynamic. There is no compromise when it comes to personal service.
Let them guide you through the legal process of divorce and all it entails. Taking care of the details can lead to a more positive co-parenting experience.
