4 Things You Should Know About Co-Parenting after Divorce

It doesn’t matter how or why you split up with your partner because co-parenting isn’t easy in any case. But there are many situations where individuals are concerned about their partner’s parenting ability and try to take over sole child custody.

However, sole custody is neither easy to acquire in the UK nor is it a solution to your problem. Who’s going to pay for child support, then?

Mature and responsible parents are those who realise the benefits of co-parenting and figure out ways to help their children gain the most nurturing home environment possible.

In this piece, we’ll be talking to you about what co-parenting really means in the UK and how you can make the most out of this seemingly confusing experience.

1. What is co-parenting?

Co-parenting, also known as shared parenting includes a joint custody arrangement where both parents are liable to play an active and positive role in their child’s daily life.  Co-parenting can be extremely beneficial for a child’s mental and emotional health. It’s also the preferred parenting arrangement by UK courts.

2. How to legally become co-parents?

Preparing for your child’s residency involves several trips to the court following a split. However, you and your partner can skip the court hearings if you’ve got a co-parenting plan already sorted. Here, you’ll have to prove to the courts that you’ve figured out:

-Where your child will live

-How much time each parent will spend with the child

-How both parents will financially support the child.

To be able to come up with a viable plan of action, you can and should take help from a solicitor. A family law, child custody or even divorce solicitor would be able to prepare a legally binding agreement for you.

3. What do if you cannot reach an agreement?

Reaching a legally binding agreement is an important step towards co-parenting. Without it, you’ll have to yield to the court’s demands. Usually, the first step is to set up a mediation meeting with your partner. If this fails, then you should apply to the court to make a decision on your child’s residence. Remember that you won’t get any legal financial assistance during the court’s proceedings—unless you’re stepping out of an abusive relationship.

4. How to make co-parenting work?

To become a successful co-parent you must realize that this move is more for the benefit of your child than it is for you. Put your emotions aside and develop a cordial relation with your ex-partner. No, we’re not forcing you to forge an amicable relationship with them—maintain a business like interaction with them that stays civil and works for your children.

If you’re looking for a family law or divorce solicitor in the Middlesex area, give Wembley Solicitors a call. Our friendly and knowledgeable experts can set up an initial consultation session and provide you detailed guidance on how to make your co-parenting plan work. Good luck!