Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Blog
Parallel Parenting vs. Co-Parenting: Which is Best?
Almost half of all children in the United States will be affected by divorce during their childhoods. Divorce presents a number of challenges and adjustments for families. Parents need to learn how to provide the love and care their children need, even without a partner. Many parents share the custody of their children, and both must forge a new path for their family. There are different types of parenting models. Parallel parenting is a common choice, but what happens if that parenting model doesn’t work for your situation? You may need to learn about an alternative option.
Co-Parenting is a Common Parenting Model
Co-parenting is a model of parenting that utilizes a collaborative approach to parenting. Co-parenting is often considered the ideal way to parent after divorce. The method is designed to provide a unified front where parents work together to establish a cohesive method of caring for their children. Co-parenting is considered a consistent parenting model and one that is often preferred. However, there are some circumstances when co-parenting will not necessarily work out. If parents have a high-conflict or toxic relationship, parallel parenting may be the solution.
What is Parallel Parenting?
Parallel parenting is an alternative parenting model in which both parents create complete and separate households for their children. This model is best suited for parents who have been unable to work together. Children alternate between homes just as they would with a co-parenting situation, but parents work independently from each other to provide stable, loving environments for their kids. Children are therefore not exposed to the acrimonious relationship between their parents.
When is Parallel Parenting Useful
Parallel parenting is sometimes useful in situations where parents are totally unable to work together to provide a unified parenting front. This model is helpful to reduce the complications caused by constant disputes. Parallel parenting may be more beneficial and less harmful to children caught up in this type of environment. Parents will each care for their child independently of the other. This arrangement can reduce the stress and negativity that can come from parental disagreements.
Consider Realistic Options
As you make important parenting decisions regarding your children, you need to be realistic. Think about each parenting model to determine which would work best. If you have a contentious relationship with your ex and have difficulty communicating, co-parenting may be extremely stressful for you and your children. On the other hand, if you have an amicable relationship and can communicate with your ex, you will likely want to co-parent. Discuss the options with your attorney to make sure you understand the many details of the arrangements. In the end, the most important consideration is the well-being of your child. Always make decisions that will be in their best interests.
It is helpful to seek legal guidance for your separation and divorce. Call Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team.
The family law practice group at Arnold & Smith, PLLC includes four Board-Certified Family Law specialists and one Child Welfare Law specialist, as well as several attorneys with many years of family law experience that are committed to providing a powerful voice to individuals facing the often-tumultuous issues in this area of law. The range of issues our family law clients may be facing include pre- and post-nuptial agreements; separation agreements; post-separation support; child support (both temporary and permanent); absolute divorce; divorce from bed and board; military divorce; equitable distribution of assets; child custody (both temporary and permanent); retirement benefits and divorce; alimony and spousal support; adoption; and emancipation. Because this area of the law is usually emotionally charged and complicated, the family law attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC act with the utmost dedication to ensure that each client understands his or her options, and then act to achieve the best result possible for that client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/family-and-children/child-custody
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/what-is-parallel-parenting
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