Shared custody arrangements can be highly stressful for both the children and parents. Ideally, parents can put their differences aside and focus on their kids’ well-being; but, this isn’t always possible. Depending on the circumstances and the quality of your relationship with your spouse, an attorney may recommend either a co-parenting or parallel parenting approach to custody.

What Is Co-Parenting?

In such a relationship, both parents communicate regularly, with the child moving between their respective houses. They might attend doctor’s appointments, parent-teacher conferences, and other events together, as this provides children with a sense of security and continuity. Although conflicts and tension may arise, cooperative individuals will have mechanisms in place to solve problems before they impact the emotional health of the kids. While the approach offers some significant advantages, it may not be best for all families.

What Is Parallel Parenting?

In these situations, the parents do not communicate directly unless there’s a medical emergency and may not even see one another. Working with your attorneys or communicating in writing, you will decide which person will attend school functions, take the children to their doctor’s appointments, or handle extracurricular activities. Highly contentious situations in which former spouses cannot get along can be quite stressful for kids. As such, the parallel option may be best when one of you has been granted primary custody.

If you’re going through a divorce or involved in a contentious child custody dispute, the attorneys at the Law Office of Hawley Holman will provide sensitive guidance and quality representation. For over 30 years, they’ve been helping clients throughout east Texas and southwest Arkansas navigate complex family law matters. Visit the website to learn more about their background and expertise in this and other practice areas. Call (903) 792-4513 to schedule a consultation with an attorney today.