Is co-parenting possible or right for you?

Co-parenting is where parents who have split up agree to proactively and harmoniously fully share the responsibility of raising their child(ren). It focuses on the child's best interests and involves open communication, shared decision-making, and a commitment to working together.

Clearly, this is what all parents intend but it is not always possible. It depends on willingness and sticking to principles and agreements, and this is where lawyers like our family lawyers can help.

How co-parenting works

• Shared parenting plan - written agreement outlining the child's living arrangements, contact schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and other important details.

• Parental responsibility - both parents need to have parental responsibility, which gives them legal rights and responsibilities to make decisions about the child's upbringing.

• Co-parenting agreement - While a co-parenting agreement can be helpful, it is not legally enforceable. If a dispute arises, the court will make decisions based on the child's best interests. Parenting Agreements can if the parents wish be extremely detailed, setting out all of the arrangements for the care of the child to include what happens during school time, during school holidays and important occasions.

• Child arrangements orders - if parents cannot agree on child arrangements, they can apply to the court for a child arrangements order, which will legally determine the child's living arrangements and contact with each parent.Communication is probably the greatest problem in family cases. When a relationship ends it can be extremely fraught between the parties and as such communication can suffer which, in turn, can have an impact on the children.

At Taylor Rose, we can assist with all aspects of Family Law. We can advise you regarding the Child Law process and preparation of documentation, such as a co-parenting Agreement. If you would like additional information, please contact us.