The emotional stress that comes with a divorce can be overwhelming, more so when the couple shares a child. As a result, tussles over time-sharing can only complicate the situation.
It is important to understand that your actions before, during and after the divorce can have an impact on your child’s overall well-being in the short and long term.
With that said, here are two mistakes you need to avoid when litigating a time-sharing arrangement in Florida.
Dragging the child into your differences with your spouse
Attempting to align the child’s views to your own about your ex-spouse, whether intentionally or otherwise, amounts to parental alienation. Parental alienation can be particularly harmful to the child in the long term. It can also send a message to the court that you do not have your child’s best interest at heart. As a result, the court might question your ability to co-parent.
Cutting off cooperation with the other parent
There are two reasons why this can be problematic. First, your children need to see a united front from both parents at all times. A breakdown in communication between the parents can severely hurt various aspects of the child’s life such as their education, medical care and social development.
The court may also take issues with your refusal to cooperate with your ex. Remember, when it comes to your child’s well-being, the court expects you to put your child’s interests ahead of your own. Refusal to cooperate with the other parent can lead to interference with an existing time-sharing agreement, and this can impact how the court will allocate time in the future.
The thought of spending less time with your child after the divorce can be unsettling for most parents. However, regardless of the circumstances of your divorce, it is important that you know the steps to take and the mistakes to avoid while working out a parenting plan with your ex.