3 Tips for Co-Parenting When Your Ex-Spouse Has a New Partner

 Posted on October 07,2019 in Divorce

If you are a newly-single parent adapting to life after divorce, moving on may be difficult, and you may be dealing with negative feelings toward your ex-spouse. Although it can be difficult to put those feelings aside, fostering the growth and development of your child should continue to be your primary goal. One dreaded scenario that may arise is meeting your ex’s new partner. This can be a challenging and stressful situation, but you will likely want to make an effort to get to know that person, as they will be a significant party in your child’s life. The following three tips can help the three of you work together as co-parents toward a happy and healthy upbringing for your child:

Understand the Position You Are in

You are likely to have mixed emotions about your ex’s new relationship, and this may lead to confusion for your child. The behaviors and feelings displayed by a parent can shape the thoughts and actions of children. Even though you may not be happy about meeting and dealing with your former spouse’s new partner, being willing to get to know them can be a good example for your child, encouraging them to form new relationships and branch out to meet new people. Ultimately, you cannot control what your ex does in their personal life, but demonstrating acceptance of their new partner will likely promote your child’s happiness and well-being in both households.

Work Together

When an ex-spouse introduces a new partner to the family, it is important for that new partner to understand the parents’ goals, rules, and methods of discipline for the child. It is also a good idea for the three of you to discuss boundaries, methods of communication between the co-parents, and any other relevant issues related to raising your child. In the years to come, the new partner may become an important member of the parenting team, so you will want to learn to work together with them, while making sure that you are keeping your child’s best interests in mind. 

Have a Support Group

Accepting a new person into your child's life can be a difficult prospect. Having the support of friends, family, a therapist, and/or a support group can provide a safety net which will allow you to express and work through your feelings. It is likely that you will not always agree with your ex-spouse and their partner, and disputes or conflicts may arise at some point. In these cases, your support system can be a great outlet where you can express anger or frustration. If you believe that a new relationship or other behavior by your ex-spouse will have a negative effect on your child, discussing your situation with an experienced family law attorney can help you understand your legal options for addressing your child’s best interests.    

Contact an Oak Park Divorce Attorney

When new relationships enter the picture after a divorce, it may be necessary to make modifications to your divorce decree. With over 30 years of experience, the knowledgeable Hillside child custody lawyer at the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C. can help you understand your rights and the steps to take to ensure that your children’s best interests are protected. For a free initial consultation, please call our office today at 708-449-7404.    

Source:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/co-parenting-tips-for-divorced-parents.htm