There are many perks to a mediated divorce. From saving on legal fees to not having third parties meddle in your personal affairs. A commonly overlooked benefit of mediation is that it makes co-parenting less complicated, given that you have both agreed on issues surrounding the children.
How you navigate the divorce will determine your relationship with your co-parent once the dust settles. Ideally, you should end things amicably to avoid any conflict regarding co-parenting. Here is why.
Conflict is less pronounced with mediation
When you and your co-parent are on good terms, you will have fewer feuds which will provide a better environment for parenting. Additionally, solving your differences will not take less effort if the divorce is mediated.
It will be easier to make decisions affecting the children
Sometimes, both parents need to consent to decisions that affect the children. Finding common ground is easier when you and your co-parent are not on opposing sides compared to a litigated divorce where there is a lot of bad blood.
You can achieve consistent co-parenting
Consistency in co-parenting is necessary to the children’s development. It helps them feel secure and helps form their early behavior, which may stick with them to adulthood. It can be confusing for the children when different rules apply according to the location, a situation that a mediated divorce can help avoid.
Making the right call
Divorce does not have to be a contest against your co-parent. If you can avoid litigation, you will have the option of settling the divorce your way, while co-parenting will be effortless.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone, especially the children who will have it easier when making the transition to life after divorce.