Successfully co-parenting a child after a divorce is not always easy. While some difficulties are to be expected as you adapt to your new relationship status, sometimes the problems are a result of inappropriate co-parenting by one parent.
Here are some examples of what this could look like.
Is your co-parent refusing to communicate?
Co-parents need to communicate to avoid misunderstandings. You and your co-parent can communicate via phone calls, text messages or email. And when possible, you can briefly share important information in person during exchanges. If your co-parent refuses to communicate, your co-parenting may potentially face conflicts. For instance, when they don’t answer or return calls or respond to messages and emails.
Moreover, be concerned if they avoid sharing important information or when they make important decisions alone. You may also be experiencing inappropriate co-parenting if your co-parent does not allow the child to communicate with you until a transition happens.
Are they withholding the child?
If you can’t see your child, despite a parenting plan existing, your co-parent may be acting unfairly and unlawfully. They may come up with excuses, such as the child is feeling unwell, they have too much homework, they enrolled in a new extracurricular activity or they have plans with their step-parent.
In some cases, a co-parent may openly withhold the child as a way to punish the other parent. For example, for not paying child support or lateness in returning the child during transition days.
Your child not spending time with you can significantly affect them. Thus, it’s important to know the healthiest way to solve this issue.
Refusing to communicate, withholding the child, bullying or allowing a new partner to interfere with the parenting plan are a few signs of inappropriate co-parenting. If this is your experience, consider legal guidance to protect your child and parental rights.