Separating is hard, tough on adults and sometimes even more difficult for children. It might be helpful if you can:

  • Accept that your ex-partner is still a parent and has an important role in your child’s life and it’s best to try shared parenting as long as it is safe.
  • If you can’t agree and end up going to court, the judge will look to try to involve both parents in the child’s life, with a shared parenting arrangement that is best for the child.
  • The judge will also expect you and your partner to think about how family mediation could help.

 

What is shared parenting?

Shared parenting is a collaborative arrangement after divorce or separation in which both parents have the right and responsibility of being actively involved in the raising of their child or children.

Tips for shared parenting
  • Try to remain focused on the needs of your child rather than your ‘right’ as a parent.
  • A parenting_plan can be a useful tool to help you focus on the needs of your child and give you the opportunity to think through their needs.
  • Focus on building a business-like relationship with your former partner when making arrangements for the children.  A family mediator can help you with this.
  • Don’t have adult discussions in front of the children, particularly if you are finding it hard to agree.

 

Where can I go next?