For couples with children who divorce, their relationship does not end when the divorce is final. Somehow, parents who have divorced still need to find a way to have a successful co-parenting relationship. While forming a co-parenting relationship is relatively easy for couples who have had an amicable divorce, this relationship can be more difficult for those who have had gone through a high-conflict divorce. Parents who have a strained relationship have started to opt for technological solutions to communicate with their ex-spouse about their children and coordinate schedules. Additionally, technology can help parents keep in touch when either they or their children have moved to another town or across the country.
Using Technology for Cooperative Co-Parenting
Often when it comes time to make plans for the holidays or to schedule a visit with the grandparents, even the best co-parenting relationships can become strained and conflicted. For this reason, many divorced parents have opted to use text messages and emails to make plans. These tools are also useful when parents need to communicate school issues or other difficulties that the child might be experiencing. Using these tools to plan events can help avoid heated telephone conversations or arguments in front of the children.
Often when parents have joint custody of their children keeping track of visitation, school activities, after school activities and outing with friends can be a challenge, even under the best of circumstances. When the child moves regularly between two households the challenge becomes compounded. Many parents have opted to use online calendars to stay coordinated and to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Taking Advantage of Technology to Keep in Touch
If a child and custodial parent stay in California, even a move from San Diego to Sacramento can make weekend visitations a challenge for the non-custodial parent. The use of video chat tools, such as Skype and Google Talk, can provide a bridge between parent and child when distance separates them. Some judges have even started ordering video visits when either the parent or child moves out of the state.
There are times when a judge decides that the relationship between parents has become so conflicted that it is in everyone’s best interest if the parents do not speak to each other. Depending on the age of the child, the judge might order that the parents purchase a cell phone for the child that is left on at a specified time. This enables the child to talk to the non-custodial parent without the parents having to talk to each other.
Leaving a Digital Trail
When taking advantage of technology, it is important to remember you are leaving a digital trail. Emails and text messages are often open to discovery by attorneys and can be used in court in the event custody arrangements need to be litigated. If you are feeling angry or hurt due to something your ex-spouse either said or did, it is best to take a breather and wait to send an email or text message.
The family law lawyers at Minella Law Group have years of experience in dealing with child support and child custody matters. They can provide you with guidance about the best ways to use technology in your particular situation.