Co-Parenting after a Divorce in a National Crisis

This is a great example of how to co-parent after divorce, especially in times like now.

You cannot turn on the television or open up the internet without seeing something about the Coronavirus (Covid-19).  Not only has all of the toilet paper disappeared from the grocery store shelves, but anxieties about catching the virus or quarantine is at an all-time high.  Some say this anxiety is almost at the level of parents having to assume the role of their children’s teacher and how they are going to explain algebraic equations.  In addition to these new normalcies, divorce parents have to have a plan on how they will be able to share custody and adhere to court orders involving children.

Parents care about the health of their children.  However, healthy to one parent may be different than healthy to another.  One parent might think eating all of the vegetables is important while the other says meals should not be a battle.  Another disagreement can come on sunny days where one parent slathers the kids in sunscreen while the other wants them to soak in the rays and get enough vitamin D.

Now we have a description of a pandemic being thrown into the mix and the fears of the unknown might begin to run ramped in your mind.  These thoughts will vary from what if one child is sick and the other isn’t.  Is your ex properly sanitizing their house or following the medical community’s guidelines. 

The key to success, as is often in just about every situation imaginable, is proper communication.  Share your fears with your spouse.  Put the children’s health first and agree to talk about the “what ifs” that might happen and how you both would handle it.  Basically, get on the same page.  Try to get both households on the same schedule and make sure everyone feels they have had adequate input.

Under normal circumstances, divorce and co-parenting can be a struggle.  However, during times of crisis parents will be defined by how they react during these crisis and the children will certainly see your actions.

Unfortunately, we continue to get mixed messages from health and government officials.  It is important that in addition to assigning which spouse has to help with math and who gets to talk history; both parents better agree on how to co-parent during a National Crisis.

Having an attorney with the resources and knowledge to give you the best representation is vital to your interest and the interest of your family.  You also want to make sure they will exhaust all avenues and be willing to research, pursue and implement strategies to provide the best possible outcome.

Rob McAngus, Partner with Verner Brumley Parker, P.C., is Board Certified in family Law and his practice is devoted primarily to family law, including high conflict divorce, custody cases, and complex property issues. In addition to being selected on the Board of Directors for the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association; he values your priorities as a parent and works with you to achieve the goals that will help transition your family to a new normal.  As both an adopted child and a member of a blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective in the practice of family law.

Rob has been recognized in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2016 through 2020, and recently The National Advocates recognized Rob as one of the Top 40 Under 40.  He can be reached by calling 214.526.5234 or email at rmcangus@vernerbrumley.com.  Mr. McAngus received his bachelor’s degree cum laude and master’s degree from Baylor University and graduated cum laude from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.