How to Limit Contact with a Co-Parent After a Divorce

Getting a divorce is never easy, especially when you have children together. After a divorce, you and your ex-spouse will need to maintain some form of contact to co-parent your children. However, it can be difficult to navigate this new relationship, especially if the divorce was contentious. Having to deal with an ex-spouse can be stressful and overwhelming, but there are ways to limit contact to make the process smoother. In this article, we’ll look at some strategies for limiting contact with a co-parent after a divorce.

1. Create a Co-Parenting Plan

A co-parenting plan is a written agreement between you and your ex-spouse that outlines how you will co-parent your children after a divorce. This can help reduce conflicts and confusion, and establish clear expectations. When creating a co-parenting plan, you should consider things like how time with the children will be divided, how major decisions will be made, and how conflicts will be resolved. Having this plan in place can help reduce the need for communication between you and your ex-spouse.

2. Use a Communication App

Requiring frequent phone calls or face-to-face interactions can make it difficult to limit contact with your ex-spouse. To avoid this, consider using a communication app designed for co-parenting. These apps allow you to communicate and share information about your children without the need for direct contact. Some examples of co-parenting apps include OurFamilyWizard, 2houses, and Cozi.

3. Establish Boundaries

It’s important to establish clear boundaries with your ex-spouse to promote healthy co-parenting. This includes things like respecting each other’s privacy, not discussing personal matters, and avoiding confrontational language. By setting these boundaries, you can create a more professional and respectful relationship with your ex-spouse.

4. Limit Face-to-Face Contact

It’s important to limit face-to-face contact with your ex-spouse as much as possible. This can help reduce the potential for conflicts and make the transition easier for both you and your children. If possible, try to communicate through phone or email instead of meeting in person. When face-to-face contact is necessary, consider meeting in a neutral location, such as a public park or restaurant.

5. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Finally, it’s important to keep your emotions in check when dealing with your ex-spouse. While it’s natural to have feelings of anger, resentment, or sadness after a divorce, it’s important to avoid acting on these emotions. Keep your conversations focused on your children, and avoid bringing up past issues or arguments. Remember that your goal is to co-parent in a professional and respectful manner.

 

Conclusion

Dealing with a co-parent after a divorce can be difficult, but by implementing the strategies we discussed in this article, you can limit contact and make the process smoother. Remember to create a co-parenting plan, use a communication app, establish boundaries, limit face-to-face contact, and keep your emotions in check. If you’re struggling to navigate this new relationship, consider reaching out to a family law practice in Orlando, FL, like Ilvento Law, for additional guidance and support.