Raising your child after a divorce does not stop when you agree to a co-parenting arrangement. You likely will need to discuss with your co-parent about some major decisions for your child.
Here are a few starter conversations to have with your co-parent:
1. What kind of education will your child get?
Does your child go to public, online or private school? Or, have you considered homeschooling your child? This is an important conversation to have with your co-parent early. There are many advantages and disadvantages to each option.
Take for example public school; it is affordable for many divorced parents. On the other hand, private schools may give your child a better education. Yet, private schools will likely be more expensive. Online or homeschooling could be useful if your co-parent lives far away. However, homeschooling may require more attention from you and your co-parent to help ensure your child gets a proper education.
2. Will your child have a religious upbringing?
Do you or your co-parent have a religious belief? Do you want your child to have a religious upbringing similar to the one you had? You may believe that it is crucial for your child to follow your religion. This may also involve celebrating yearly events, praying or understanding religious texts. Your co-parent may not have the same sentiment.
3. How do you care for your child’s special needs?
Does your child have a medical condition? Is the medical condition physical or psychological? Do you need to spend more time with your child to meet their medical needs? How much time you spend with your child could greatly depend on their health. However, how their medical condition is handled may need to be discussed with your co-parent.
Legal guidance can help educate you on your child custody options and how to craft an effective parenting plan.