There was a time when divorce meant that single mothers took on the bulk of child rearing, while fathers showed up for weekend activities and wrote a check to cover child support. But nowadays the options for how to manage parental responsibilities in the wake of divorce are far broader, offering the potential for greater stability for children and improved opportunities for both parents to share in the day-to-day lives of their children.
Soft Landings
One of the latest trends for couples who divorce, but who remain geographically close, is to create family activities, including vacations, with both mom and dad present. This provides an opportunity for children to watch their parents interact with civility and compassion, but to part ways at the end of the day. It’s a great way to demonstrate that children are a priority for both parents, even though the marriage is over. Obviously, not every couple can manage it, but for those who can, it allows for a bit of continuity for kids whose lives are otherwise disrupted.
Bird-Nesting
For partners who are flexible and who don’t have obligations that limit their ability to bounce around a bit, this new craze in living arrangements might be ideal. Essentially, children remain in the family home, and parents move in and out on a regular schedule. It’s basically the opposite of the traditional custody arrangements where kids were required to pack a bag and visit the away-parent. Here, each parent has an away-apartment or other arrangement with friends or family, but rotates into the family home every other week or so. Again, this is not ideal for every couple, but affords significant benefits for kids who avoid being uprooted from friends, school, and routines by staying put in their homes.
Sharing Custody
On the other hand, for couples who want to start fresh on their own turf but who still live close to one another, kids who bounce from one parent’s house to the other’s often learn resiliency as they split every week between each home. In this scenario, kids learn that they are loved and wanted by both parents, and they have an opportunity to include each parent in their daily lives. A 50/50 time split is often an excellent way to accommodate couples who are rooted in their children, but moving forward in a new direction.
Divorce Apps
For couples who have trouble communicating, divorce apps allow access to kids’ schedules without the burden of having to phone up a recalcitrant former spouse. There are multiple websites available to track things like parent-teacher conferences, dentist appointments, and other extracurricular activities.
Choosing the Best Options
As you make important decisions in the process of your divorce, the knowledgeable Jackson family law attorneys at the office of Derek L. Hall, PC will help you explore the many options available. Let our team assist in coming up with the best possible outcomes for you. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation.
