Is Parallel Parenting A Viable Option?

best divorce lawyers in Orange County; The Maggio Law FirmThe use of a parallel parenting plan is thought to be a bridge between the no and very low conflict divorces and the high conflict divorce cases. The problem in high conflict cases is that there is very little room to have a pristine workable co parenting plan put into use.

High conflict in this situation means not only the spouses that don’t like spending time with each other or quite simply don’t get along. High conflict here means situations where both spouses hold hostility against one another to a high level.

What Is Parallel Parenting?

Parallel parenting a relatively new concept of parenting that is largely dependent on the older methods of parenting only that it is with very little communication between the spouses. As the name suggests parallel parenting allow the spouses to detach from one another after their divorce. How does decision making work? In this case, each parent is in charge of the decisions they take as long as they are in custody of the child and need not have any communication or consultation with other spouses.

A Parenting Plan with no Contact?

How can it be possible that there is a no contact parenting plan in place? It is impossible because that can practically not exist. In a parallel parenting plan there is a minimal level of direct contact with the other parent but these are usually short, cold and to the point.

A Coordinator for Parenting

Sometimes even the least bit of direct contact with other party post-divorce can lead to a conflict such is the level of hate between the two spouses. In cases like these the courts can appoint a parenting coordinator. These coordinators will typically be assigned with special duties to perform and will be given special privileges to do their tasks. One of the tasks of these coordinators is to help the spouses communicate with the other on child related matters using the coordinator as a medium.

Is it Any Good?

In high conflict cases where the court might one parent with primary custody and the other parent with the right to visitation, it makes co-parenting difficult. This ultimately affects the children involved in the divorce more than anyone else. Hence to counter that and to ensure that each of the parents are able to enjoy the custody of their child even if they can’t stand one another, there is the option of a parallel parenting plan.  however, this is never as good as a co-parenting arrangement where the parties can work together.  It should only be a last resort.

divorce_attorneyGerald A. Maggio is an experienced Orange County divorce and family law lawyer and family law attorney located in Irvine, California, serving the Orange County and Riverside areas. Mr. Maggio assists clients with legal issues including divorce, legal separation, divorce mediation, child custody, prenuptial agreements, stepparent adoptions, and other family law issues. Mr. Maggio has practiced law in California since 1999, and founded The Maggio Law Firm in 2005, focusing exclusively on divorce and family law matters.

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