Co-parenting after a separation or divorce

Acknowledge your feelings about the separation and find ways to look after yourself

This is really important as it will help you manage your emotions and allow you to focus on your child.

If you’re in the thick of a breakup we have some advice on supporting your child during a separation and divorce.

Establish a shared understanding of what co-parenting means

If you’re struggling to agree on how you’ll co-parent, try starting with a list of what your child can expect from you both.

Work as a team with your co-parent to manage the details of parenting decisions

Try to set ground rules in advance to avoid conflict later. For example, you will need to agree on when and where your children will visit, how the parent living apart keeps in touch, between visits.

Create a parenting plan

Use the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service's parenting plan. It is free to use and they have guidance on how to fill it in.

Think about your children’s happiness, stability, and future well-being 

Look at the co-parenting arrangements from the children’s perspective.  Take the focus away from you and your co-parents feelings.