The court considers many factors when determining the best interests of your child during custody proceedings. According to the Connecticut Judicial Branch, some of these factors include the developmental needs of the child, each parent’s ability to provide a stable residence and the parents’ wishes about custody.
As a result, the court may order a joint custody agreement for you and your ex-spouse to follow. Co-parenting can be challenging, but by following certain strategies, you can be successful.
Improve communication
Develop a plan for communicating with your ex-spouse and stick to it. For example, set in-person, weekly meetings to discuss your child’s schedule and needs, or send regular text messages to communicate important information.
Aim for consistency
Your child will feel more secure within a co-parenting relationship if you and your ex-spouse are consistent about rules, discipline and scheduling. The schedules, rules and discipline plans do not have to be the same at both households, but they should follow generally consistent guidelines.
Find a way to resolve disagreements
As you co-parent, you are going to have disagreements with your ex-spouse. Try to maintain a relationship of respect, communicate about large decisions and attempt to see their point of view when possible.
Work on transitions
Moving your child from one house to the other, whether only on weekends or every few days, can be difficult for your child. Make these regular transitions easier by helping your child anticipate the change, packing well in advance and establishing a special routine every time your child returns.