Preparing for Co-Parenting in Orlando

After a divorce or breakup, you may be approaching a new set of parenting responsibilities. As you prepare for co-parenting, you will need to plan and organize effectively. Some of these planning steps involve purely emotional adjustments, while others are more logistical. Of course, the way in which you prepare for these responsibilities depends entirely on your unique co-parenting agreement, which you may need to discuss with your Orlando custody lawyer.

Review Your Co-Parenting Agreement 

After your child custody case becomes final, you will have to follow some kind of co-parenting plan. Some also refer to this as a “custody agreement.” It makes sense to review this document carefully, as it contains all of the most important legal details about your new family life. Your co-parenting agreement might describe when and how you can go on vacation with your children. It should also contain details about custody exchanges, custody schedules, and much more.

If you’re not 100% sure about these details, consider going over the document with your custody attorney. Your lawyer can answer any questions you might have about your new legal responsibilities.

Understand the Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody

Remember, co-parenting involves not only physical custody but also legal custody. The latter involves your right to make major decisions about your child’s life. However, it is important to remember that shared legal custody is the norm in Florida. This means that the other parent will likely have an equal say in these decisions. The end result is that you probably won’t have the authority to make major decisions about your child’s life without the other parent’s input.

Prepare Your Home for the Child 

If you were forced to move out of the family home during the divorce or separation, your new residence may need some preparation before you host your child. Even if you only see your child on the weekends or a few days per month, you should still make an effort to make your home as “kid-friendly” as possible. Depending on the age of your child, this may involve making certain safety improvements around the house. You should also consider creating a designated “homework area” (assuming your child is old enough). These improvements can help you maintain your custody rights.

Prepare Emotionally for the Coming Changes 

You might also need to take a moment to prepare yourself psychologically for the co-parenting road ahead. When you share custody, you no longer have as much power over your child. You will also need to let your child visit and stay with the other parent, likely on a regular basis. Some parents may need to train themselves to “let go” in this situation – and this could be a surprisingly difficult task.

Can a Child Time Sharing Lawyer in Orlando Help Me? 

A child time sharing lawyer in Orlando may be able to help you prepare for co-parenting. While many of the adjustments you’ll need to make are purely psychological, you should also consult with your lawyer about the legal implications of your new role as a parent. From reviewing the co-parenting agreement to organizing vacations, there is much you can do to make this transition as seamless as possible. Contact Steve Marsee, P.A. to learn more about the next steps.

Sources:

 healthline.com/health/parenting/co-parenting

sharedparenting.org/sharedparentingnews/preparing-to-co-parent-step-1-adopting-an-empathetic-mindset