Co-Parenting
The shared responsibility of raising children after divorce, where both parents actively participate in major decisions and daily care according to a custody arrangement.
Understanding Co-Parenting
Successful co-parenting requires putting children's needs above personal conflicts with the ex-spouse. Key elements include consistent routines across both households, respectful communication about the children, unified approaches to discipline and education, and flexibility when schedules need to change. Co-parenting communication tools like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents create documented records that can be used in court. Research consistently shows that children adjust better to divorce when their parents can co-parent effectively, even if the parents themselves have a difficult relationship.
Real-World Examples
The parents create a detailed co-parenting plan covering school pickups, holiday schedules, medical decisions, and a communication protocol using a co-parenting app.
Related Terms
The parent with whom the child primarily lives and who has primary physical custody. The custodial parent typically receives child support from the non-custodial parent.
Bird NestingA custody arrangement where children stay in the family home while parents rotate in and out according to a custody schedule. Also called nesting.
Best Interests of the ChildThe legal standard used by courts to make all custody and visitation decisions. The child's wellbeing takes priority over both parents' preferences.
Related Guides
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This definition is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws and terminology may vary by state and jurisdiction.
Always consult a licensed attorney in your area for advice specific to your situation.