Your Illinois divorce might have been difficult, but if you have children, it’s important to focus on them first. You should know how to prepare a co-parenting plan that works for everyone.
Think about your children first
Keep a clear perspective on why you and your ex are creating a co-parenting plan: it’s for the sake of your children. When creating the plan, don’t think about what’s best for you and your former spouse. Keep your focus on the children at all times. You both want the best for them and should aim for a plan that incorporates time spent with both of you so that the kids can continue to maintain a healthy relationship with both their parents.
Put aside any bitter emotions
Even if your divorce was contentious, you must put aside any bitter emotions like anger and resentment. Clearing the slate is important when you work with your former spouse to create a co-parenting plan. It might be difficult, but it must be done. Remember that you’re both working together for the sake of your children and making things easier for them.
Learn to communicate effectively
One of the biggest factors determining whether your co-parenting plan will be successful is how well you and your former spouse communicate. You should be in regular contact during this time and communicate clearly. However, you should also always be respectful and mature. You might want to keep your tone business-like while creating your co-parenting plan.
Be a team
For some couples, it might be hard, but you should try to be a team. After all, you have children together and are working to prepare a co-parenting plan. This makes you teammates of sorts. Avoid fighting and unpleasantness when you get together to create the plan. When you have a team mentality, you’ll end up with the best co-parenting plan.
Creating a co-parenting plan doesn’t have to be challenging. When you go into it focusing on your kids and their best interests, you’ll all be better off for it.