In Texas and other states, the concept of co-parenting has gained preference in caring for the children after a divorce. With the start of a new school year, it is a propitious time for those recently settling their divorce to discuss their most important ongoing responsibility, i.e., the daily care of their minor children. Planning the highlights of events for the next year can help the children to be more secure in knowing that there will be a structure and a relative sense of certainty to their activities.
The transition to a new school year is a good time to clarify everyone’s intentions, set some rules, schedules and choose extracurricular activities. General goals for the children with respect to their chosen academics are not wasted by beginning to plan ahead. Parents and children may experiment to see if they can all agree on three mutual goals for the child. Discuss also the parents’ contributions and help toward making it feasible for the child to accomplish those goals.
Any discussions that can include both spouses with the children will be conducive to better success of the children in pursuing their chosen goals. The process will also minimize the potential for confusion and conflict in schedules or general attitudes between those involved. The meetings to discuss goals and schedules can also talk money matters.
Child support in Texas is generally for survival necessities and will usually not be set up to cover those extras in life that always exist. The family may decide that the parents will divide all extra items by a certain percentage or that they are all to be paid by one of the parents. On the other hand, things like tickets, classes, programs and the like may be parceled out per specific event or program. One may always check with the divorce attorney to see what expenses or responsibilities may be covered under the family law settlement agreement if it is unclear in any respect.