In recent reports, the idea of co-parenting has been displayed as possibly the best scenario when it comes to child custody. Because this custody method allows children to have time with both parents, Washington children may be better affected than if they spent the...
Mediating Conflict,
Embracing Peace
Child Custody
How blended families can benefit kids and teens – Part II
During our last post, we began a discussion about blended families. If you are currently navigating a divorce or have recently finalized one, you may or may not be thinking ahead to the possibility of marrying again in the future. But whether this option is on your...
How blended families can benefit kids and teens – Part I
If you and your spouse recently decided to divorce or are questioning whether or not you should pursue a divorce, you may understandably have concerns about how your decision making will ultimately affect your children and teens. The divorce process can be temporarily...
The pact you may benefit from making with your co-parent
There are likely many reasons why you and your child’s other parent ultimately opted to end your romantic relationship. Bad blood may linger between you. But, for better and for worse, you remain linked by the child that you share. And it may ultimately benefit...
Preparing for the ups and downs of co-parenting
When couples decide to get married or have a child, well-meaning loved ones tend to offer unsolicited advice about the road ahead. More than once, engaged couples and couples who are expecting will almost certainly hear loved ones warn that marriage and parenting are...
When children benefit from divorce
Understandably, many parents worry that their decisions to divorce will negatively affect their children. In the wake of a divorce, everyone affected by it may experience hurt, anger, frustration, sadness and other negative emotions to some degree or another. But...
When your co-parent is dishonest
Co-parenting can be a uniquely challenging task. Unlike most relationships, you cannot simply choose to sever ties with your co-parent if he or she behaves in ways that you disapprove of. Certainly, if your co-parent is abusive or is otherwise acting in ways that...
New Year’s resolutions for blended families
The chaos of the holiday season is now behind us all. After focusing a significant amount of time on celebrating the season with loved ones, it is now time to look ahead to what the new year has in store. If you are part of a blended family, you may be concerned that...
Child custody terms are no longer used in Washington
Child custody and visitation are divorce terms that are no longer being used by Washington courts. Instead, divorcing parents are now required by law to create what is called a parenting plan. It's important to understand what's involved in a parenting plan early in...
Consider this before blending families post-divorce
Once you have divorced, you may opt to create a blended family. Blended families are increasingly common, so you will certainly not be alone in your decision to blend families. However, the exact nature of your child custody arrangements is unique to you and your...