Changes on the Go
Changes on the Go
Sharing parenting time doesn’t have to feel like mission impossible. Yes, you have to balance many factors like your schedule, your child’s needs, and a host of other things that can complicate co-parenting. But adopting a flexible and cooperative mindset is the starting point from which you can make raising your child together work. One of the most common challenges co-parents face is navigating their parenting plan and parenting time order while still living their own independent lives. Ex has a business trip and can’t take the kids? Kids home from school sick, and you can’t miss work? These situations are part of everyday life as a parent. The key to making them work is learning how to make quick, effective parenting time changes easy and stress-free. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Flexibility to Decide
First, understand that the court typically encourages parents to make minor changes to their custody and parenting time agreements as needed. The courts know that raising a child doesn’t always go as planned, and the most important thing is to meet your child’s needs. If you need to rearrange your parenting time or share costs differently—and you can agree—go ahead. You have some flexibility. If you can’t agree, it may be time to speak with a New Jersey child custody attorney.
Streamline Co-Parenting
Second, consider bringing your co-parenting into the digital world. There are several parenting apps that can help separated parents navigate raising a child together. Apps like Our Family Wizard, DadLabs, and 2houses can provide shared spaces for tracking expenses, scheduling parenting time, and other day-to-day to-dos of parenting. And don’t overlook Skype and other video-chatting services for daily check-ins with both parents. Good communication has and always will be the secret to successful co-parenting. Today’s apps make making changes as easy as possible. Also, be open to negotiations with the other parent. For example, if you want leeway when picking up your child, provide concessions in other areas.
Make Changes as Needed to Meet Your Child’s Needs
Lastly, don’t sweat the small stuff. Raising your child after divorce or separation can be fun and productive. And the better you work together, the easier it will be for your child. But you may need to periodically make parenting time changes because life is unpredictable, and so are kids. If you always keep your child’s happiness and well-being at the front of your mind, you can do so successfully.
Do you need help making legally sound parenting time changes? If so, Williams Law Group, LLC can help. Our skilled attorneys can help you prepare for co-parenting with orders that protect your child’s best interests. Located in Short Hills, New Jersey, Williams Law Group, LLC provides compassionate and dedicated legal services to Union, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties, and the surrounding areas. Our knowledgeable attorneys handle divorce and family law, child custody, and child abuse/neglect cases. Call our office at (908) 810-1083, email us at info@awilliamslawgroup.com, or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation and ultimately get you connected with an experienced New Jersey divorce and child custody attorney.
