Life is series of ever-changing events, especially within a family unit. Children grow up. People change jobs or locations, and various issues arise over time that disrupt daily routines or that require special attention and focus. Deciding to file for divorce in a Texas court is definitely an issue that sparks changes in a family’s lifestyle.
Getting divorced does not necessarily have to mean that a pair of parents will be at odds for the rest of their lives. In fact, by keeping several tips in mind, it is often possible to peacefully co-parent after divorce. When children’s best interests are the top priority, and parents agree to work together as a team, it does not guarantee that problems will never occur but does increase the likelihood of finding fair solutions in a timely manner.
Avoid litigation as much as possible
By laying a few ground rules ahead of time, co-parents can peacefully negotiate child custody issues as they arise. When both parents want to avoid confrontation, they try to discuss important topics in a respectful, calm manner. But it is not always possible to resolve an issue outside of a courtroom, especially if a co-parent disregards a court order or refuses to cooperate or compromise.
Everything does not have to be equal to be fair
Parents who feel that sacrifices must always be shared equally may be setting themselves up for trouble. It is best to focus on fairness rather than equality. For instance, when keeping children’s best interests in mind, it might be clear that one parent will need to make a sacrifice that the other does not make, such as giving up a few hours of free time to be available to watch the kids until the other parent gets home from work. Any Texas parent who is struggling to resolve a child custody-related issue may seek additional support by requesting a meeting with an experienced family law attorney.