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Tips for creating a co-parenting plan that works for all

On Behalf of | Mar 24, 2022 | Child Custody

When a couple with young children divorces, child custody is one of the most important issues. New Jersey parents can make things easier by knowing how to create a co-parenting plan.

Work together no matter what

Regardless of the state of your former relationship, you both want the same thing: to make the new situation better for your child. As a result, putting aside your differences and working together for the sake of your child is the best way to go when making a co-parenting plan.

Think about your child’s best interests

The best interests of your child should always come first. The co-parenting you create should always reflect that. Consider your child’s emotional and physical needs and maybe involve your child by talking with them. They might have some input regarding matters like the distance between your home and your ex’s, school and friends.

Consider the right custody split

Although it might seem that the 50/50 physical custody split is best, that’s often not the case. Children might feel a sense of separation anxiety if they spend one week at one parent’s home and then the next with the other parent. Many families rely on the 2-2-3 visitation schedule, which sees the child spending two days with one parent, two days with the other and then three with the first parent. This schedule often works well for kids and parents alike.

Plan how you will communicate

After your co-parenting plan is in place and your child goes from your home to your ex’s and vice-versa, you and your former spouse will have to stay in touch with your child. As you create the parenting plan, discuss a plan on how you will communicate with them. You might consider regular phone calls, but video calls might even be better.