It’s been said that happy marriages are built on communication. Believe it or not, when children are involved, the same could be said for a “happy” divorce.

When couples split up, ongoing communication between the two may sound like the last thing either person wants. When couples share children, however, and neither person is willing to relinquish full custody of the kids, the parties enter into a co-parenting arrangement. It’s a situation that, while unpleasant, carries certain obligations and responsibilities.

First on that list is communication. To make co-parenting work, both people need to be willing to pick up the phone, coordinate schedules, and work together for the sake of their children. Divorced or separated parents must also be able to speak openly with their kids about the arrangement and listen to their experiences. Only by putting their conflicts aside and prioritizing their roles as parents can exes optimize the arrangement and minimize emotional distress for their children.

Of course, this may not be an easy feat—which is why we wanted to share a recent article in Divorce Magazine with our readers. In “7 Co-Parenting Communication Tips,” writer Audrey Lamp offers several strategies for divorced and separated parents. In addition to communication-related suggestions, the list contains a couple methods for reducing anxiety and setting expectations correctly. Tips include the following:

1. Discuss Co-Parenting Before You Finalize the Divorce
2. Find the Best Way to Communicate with Your Ex
3. Minimize Conflict
4. Stop Bad-Mouthing Your Ex
5. Keep Your Focus on Your Children
6. Stop Trying to Control Your Ex
7. Use the “10-Second Rule”

Read the full article here.

The attorneys of Offit Kurman’s Family Law Practice Group have years of experience helping clients create and maintain co-parenting arrangements and other potentially emotionally-challenging agreements between ex-spouses. To learn more and see how we can serve you and your family, click here.

ABOUT CHERYL L. HEPFER

chepfer@offitkurman.com  |  240.507.1752

Cheryl Hepfer is a highly-regarded attorney who has practiced family law for more than 40 years.  She has been rated by her peers and is listed in Best Lawyers in America and as a top lawyer in the Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, and Super Lawyers.  She is past president of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

ABOUT SANDRA A. BROOKS

sbrooks@offitkurman.com  |  240.507.1716

As a family law attorney, Sandra (Sandy) Brooks’ practice focuses on a wide range of aspects in regards to family law. She dedicates her time to assisting clients in domestic law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, family mediation, spousal and child support, property division, and division of retirement benefits. Other matters that fall under her jurisdiction as a family law attorney include tax consequences of divorce, mediation, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, negotiating and drafting of separation agreements, domestic litigation, and post-judgment proceedings.

ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN

Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the mid-Atlantic region. With over 185 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our twelve offices serve individual and corporate clients along the I95 corridor in the Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City regions. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.

Find out why Offit Kurman is The Better Way to protect your business, your assets and your family by connecting via our Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn pages. You can also sign up to receive Law Matters, Offit Kurman’s monthly newsletter covering a diverse selection of legal and corporate thought leadership content.

MARYLAND | PENNSYLVANIA | VIRGINIA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK | DELAWARE | WASHINGTON, DC