If you and your former spouse have children, you still need to remain in each other’s lives as co-parents. However, sometimes the divorce process can severely impact this relationship and make it difficult to work as a team. For the benefit of your children, it is crucial to do what you can to repair and rebuild trust with your co-parent. It might sound impossible now, but if both parties put in an honest effort, it can be achieved.

Tips to Rebuild a Co-Parenting Relationship

Rebuilding a co-parenting relationship will take time and a willingness to cooperate, so both you and your former spouse need to be committed to this mutual goal.

Here are some tips that will help you accomplish the task:

1. Keep your word: If you made plans to spend time with your children or promised you would pick them up at a specific time, keep your word. If you continue to break your promises, you cannot expect your co-parent to trust you. Moreover, broken promises will send the wrong message to your children.

2. Consider your co-parent’s feelings: When it comes to co-parenting, it can be easy for one parent to feel left out if there is a lack of flexibility in scheduling. Always let your co-parent know about school functions and, if possible, attend your children’s events together, so no one misses out. Your children will appreciate having the support of both parents.

3. Exhibit consistent behavior: If you are consistently respectful and polite toward your ex-spouse, it will help build up some trust in your relationship. No matter how difficult the situation might seem, you cannot let your emotions dictate your actions. Emotions and feelings are unpredictable, which is not the tone you want to set for your co-parenting relationship.

4. Listen to your co-parent: Being a good listener does not mean you are expected to agree with your co-parent. You might still ultimately disagree on certain matters, but you will at least have a better understanding of one another, which will make it easier to reach a mutually agreeable compromise.

5. Be willing to say you are sorry: Apologizing can be difficult in any relationship, but it is particularly tough for divorced spouses who might still feel resentful toward one another. However, apologizing for your mistakes is a big step in the right direction if you want to work on a functional and healthy co-parenting relationship.

Speak to an Experienced Family Law Attorney

If you are experiencing difficulties with your co-parenting relationship and believe you need legal assistance to effectively address them, contact the Houston family lawyers at the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny for the sound legal advice you need during this challenging time. With over three decades of combined legal experience on our side, you can trust that your case will be effectively handled when you choose to work with our law firm.

Reach out to our law office today at (713) 936-2300 to schedule an initial case review with a compassionate and knowledgeable member of our legal team. You do not have to go through this on your own.