Overcoming Conflicts in Co-Parenting

Our Chicago parenting time attorneys offer tips to help overcome co-parenting conflicts that often arise.

In cases involving divorced or single parents, time-sharing plans allow both parties to remain active in the child’s life. Unfortunately, implementing them often proves challenging, and it is not uncommon for problems to arise. At the Women’s Divorce and Family Law Group, we protect your rights in this situation, providing the trusted legal guidance you need. Our Chicago parenting time attorneys recommend the following tips to diffuse and overcome conflicts.  

Common Problems in Co-Parenting

Co-parenting is generally encouraged under the Illinois Statutes. It is generally accomplished through formal parenting plans that dictate each party’s rights and responsibilities in regard to their child. Areas addressed typically include the amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home during the week, rights regarding holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions, travel arrangements between the parent’s homes, and legal custody, which pertains to making decisions for the child. 

Unfortunately, even once a parenting plan is negotiated and a final court order is put in place, it is not uncommon for problems to arise. The most common include:  

• One parent is habitually late in either picking up or dropping off the child;
• They cancel plans unexpectedly;
• They behave hostilely towards you and may make derogatory statements to the child;
• They make excessive calls or otherwise behave intrusively when the child is in your care.  

Addressing Issues in Co-Parenting

The above and other problems in co-parenting can be maddening to deal with and can wreak havoc with your schedule. Ultimately, they can also put your rights and your relationship with your child at risk. Ways in which you can best address these issues and overcome conflicts include: 

• Be direct: Voice concerns to the other parent directly rather than attempting to relay information through your child.  
• Be respectful: Maintain your composure and avoid getting hostile or passive-aggressive. 
• Put your child’s needs first: Realize that it is in your child’s best interests to have ongoing contact with both you and the other parent. 
• Be willing to compromise: Let go of the need to get your own way or always be right. 
• Keep a copy of your parenting plan handy: Refer to it when disputes arise concerning your rights or the other parent’s obligations.

Once a parenting plan is issued through the Illinois Family Court, both parents must follow it. If problems persist despite your efforts, get legal guidance concerning your rights in requesting parenting time modifications. 

Contact Our Chicago Parenting Time Attorneys

At the Women’s Divorce and Family Law Group, we help resolve conflicts and disputes that arise when co-parenting. Named as one of the 10 Best Family Law Firms by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, you can count on us to provide the trusted legal guidance you need. With offices throughout the state, contact us today to request a consultation.