By Dana McKee
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. While the end of a marriage can be emotionally taxing, it also marks the beginning of a new kind of partnership: co-parenting. The transition to co-parenting can be challenging, but with intentional effort, clear communication, and mutual respect, it’s possible to create a stable and nurturing environment for your children.

Co-parenting is not about being perfect, it’s about being committed: committed to your child’s well-being; committed to respectful communication; and committed to working together with the other parent, even when it’s difficult.

With time, patience, and a focus on your child’s best interests, co-parenting can evolve into a cooperative and even rewarding journey. Remember, your relationship as co-parents will continue for many years—through school events, milestones, and celebrations. Creating a healthy partnership now lays the groundwork for a positive future for your entire family.

Here’s a look at key areas to consider when building a successful co-parenting relationship after divorce.

Clear Custody Agreement
A strong co-parenting foundation begins with a well-crafted custody agreement. This legal document outlines where your children will live, how time is shared between parents, and how holidays, vacations, and school schedules are managed. While you may feel that having a detailed written custody agreement is unnecessary at the time of your separation and divorce, having a formal custody agreement not only protects you – but also your child and provides stability and expectations if your co-parenting relationship were to change.

Whether you opt for joint physical custody or one parent has primary physical custody with visitation rights to the other parent, clarity is critical. Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, so be as specific as possible when outlining pick-up/drop-off times, transportation responsibilities, holiday/vacation schedules, and contingency plans.

Tip: If circumstances change (such as a new job, move, or shift in the child’s needs) work with a mediator or attorney to update your custody agreement.

Committing to Joint Decision-Making
Even though your romantic relationship has ended, your shared responsibilities as parents continue. Major decisions—like those involving education, medical care, religion, and extracurricular activities—should be made jointly.

This also includes communicating clearly and agreeing on decisions for future events, like how new partners may be introduced to the child, or how you will both support your child during major life events later on, including attending college, starting a new job, moving to a new place, etc.

It’s important to:
• Maintain regular check-ins about upcoming needs or issues.
• Agree in advance on how disagreements over important issues will be resolved.
• Respect each other’s parenting styles while aligning on core values.

Consider Parenting Classes or Workshops
Many family courts recommend or even require divorcing parents to take a parenting class. These classes aren’t about assigning blame—they’re designed to help you understand your child’s perspective, reduce conflict, and improve communication with your co-parent.

Co-parenting workshops can also provide:
• Tools for navigating difficult conversations.
• Strategies for handling transitions between homes.
• Emotional support from others in similar situations.

Protect Your Children from Divorce Specifics
Children don’t need to know all the details of your divorce or ongoing legal matters. Keep conversations age-appropriate and avoid putting them in the middle.

Avoid:
• Speaking negatively about your co-parent in front of the children.
• Sharing legal documents or financial disputes.
• Using your child as a messenger between homes.

Manage Finances Transparently
Financial responsibilities don’t disappear after a divorce. In fact, they often become more complex. Whether child support is mandated by court or agreed upon privately, it’s important to stay organized and transparent.

Discuss:
• Who pays for which expenses (e.g., school supplies, medical bills, sports fees).
• How to handle unexpected costs or changes in income.
• Whether a shared expense-tracking app might help reduce conflict.

Tip: Put financial agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings. You should consult with your attorney or mediator about including this in any legal agreement.

Consulting an Attorney
If you are navigating a divorce and need support protecting your own social media or collecting social media evidence, speak to a family law attorney. Partner Dana McKee chairs the family law practice, at Brown, Goldstein & Levy, a nationally recognized firm bringing decades of passionate, effective advocacy to the fight for justice across the legal spectrum.

Dana is one of Maryland’s foremost family law attorneys who has extensive experience representing clients facing complex cases including divorce, custody and related financial issues. Her experience allows her to be sensitive to the family dynamics without compromising her ability to obtain results for her clients. Learn more about Dana’s practice here and contact us today for a consultation.