Family Law Attorney – Contra Costa County, CA
In the immediate aftermath of a decision to divorce, spouses with minor children are usually very concerned about how their decisions will ultimately affect their children. For better and for worse, the most significant influence a divorcing couple’s children respond to during such a transition is the children’s parents themselves. How a new co-parenting relationship functions will dramatically impact the ways in which affected children respond to all the changes that a divorce-related transition inspires. So, how does one co-parent most effectively during divorce proceedings? There is no “single” right answer to this question, as every child (and every family) is different. However, working with an experienced Contra Costa County, CA family law attorney can help to ensure that a new co-parenting relationship begins in ways that are as healthy and as productive as possible.
Co-Parenting During Divorce Proceedings – The Basics
Every child custody case in America (whether contentious or amicable in nature) is resolved according to the “best interests of the child” standard. In contentious cases, judges determine what child custody terms are in a child’s best interest and orders them. In amicable cases, parents and their attorneys (through mediation and/or attorney-led negotiation) agree on such terms and a judge signs off on them. As a result, it is critically important that your co-parenting relationship centers on “the best interests of the child.” (If you have any questions about what this standard means practically, please do not hesitate to ask a Contra Costa County, CA family law attorney.)
It is easy for former romantic partners to become preoccupied by old hurts, heightened tensions and the confusing “ins and outs” of transitioning from married to single life. However, when parents focus their energies on their children’s best interests, they can generally parent as effectively as possible. For example, it may be tempting to ask your child probing questions about what your former spouse is up to because you are genuinely curious. But is doing so in your child’s best interests? Or would it be healthier to avoid placing your child in the middle and asking your former spouse relevant questions directly?
Once you start to gain a strong vision for how your child’s best interests may be met in your new co-parenting reality, you can work with your Contra Costa County, CA family law attorney in order to structure a healthy, effective co-parenting agreement that is enforceable and is as flexible as is reasonable under the circumstances.
Legal Guidance Is Available
If you have questions about divorce, child custody or parenting agreements, please do not hesitate to connect with an experienced Contra Costa County, California family law attorney today. Too often, co-parents wait to consult their attorneys until tensions have boiled over and a genuine impasse has arisen. By speaking with an attorney whenever you have questions, you can hope to avoid many challenging co-parenting situations and potential missteps. Whatever your family’s particular challenges may be, The Law Office of Ariel Brownell is here to help. We look forward to speaking with you.