If you are co-parenting during or after a divorce, practicing “the pause” can help you stay out of trouble and maintain a good co-parenting relationship with the other parent. Too many times parents quarrel unnecessarily or make demands without thinking it through. We can all learn to get along with each other a little better if we take a pause before reacting. Instead of responding to the text message right away, put down your phone and think about your response. If the topic in the email is heated, give it 24 hours before you respond. If you are reacting in real time, take the high road. Most things don’t require an immediate response. Not only will this allow you to avoid saying things you might regret, you will role model good behavior to your children and avoid being accused of being an uncooperative parent.
California’s New Joint Petition Process: A More Collaborative Path to Divorce
For decades, California divorces have followed the same adversarial format: one spouse files as the "Petitioner," the other responds as the "Respondent," and the language throughout the process emphasizes conflict. Even when both parties agree on the terms of their...