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As an experienced divorce lawyer will attest, marriage dissolution gets more complicated when children are in the picture. However, much acrimony can be avoided if the couple learns to co-parent effectively. Below are some tips for raising healthy children even while working through a separation.

A Guide to Co-Parenting During a Divorce

1. Support the Other Parent's Relationship

As hurt or betrayed as you might feel by your ex's past behavior, don't undermine their relationship with your children. Avoid calling your ex names or disparaging them in front of the kids and keep in mind that it's best for children to have a connection to both parents.

Treat the other parent's time with the kids as equally sacred as your own time. Don't make plans for the children during your ex's scheduled time and be on time for all drop-offs and pickups.

2. Don't Get Hung Up on 50/50

Although a 50/50 split may work for some families, determine shared terms that work best for you and your ex—but most importantly, for the kids. Children may not flourish when moving back and forth between households. Some kids need more structure and stability and do better in a single home.

Divorce lawyer in Lincoln, NEThat doesn't mean both parents cannot have a rich and meaningful relationship with their children. Just focus on the quality of the time you spend together instead of the quantity.

3. Make a Written Plan

By putting a co-parenting plan in writing, you can hammer out the details when you're both in a calm frame of mind. This lets each of you point to the agreement if the other parent later fails to comply or tries to unilaterally change the terms.

The agreement should address when and where each parent gets custody, when and where exchanges are made, where the kids spend holidays, how you will communicate with each other cordially without your divorce lawyers as intermediaries, and how to resolve any child welfare decisions.

If you need a proven divorce lawyer, contact Kleveland Law Offices in Lincoln, NE. They have served Lancaster County and the surrounding areas since 1984. They specialize in family law, including divorce and child custody, but also excel at criminal and probate law. Visit their website to learn more about the practice or call (402) 477-7776 to schedule a consultation.

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