I once heard that parenting books are one of the largest segments in non-fiction publishing.  Everyone apparently thinks they have tips and ideas to help others parent.  As a collaborative divorce attorney, clients often seek guidance and support in co-parenting during and after the divorce.  No book ever fits the bill.  While traditional books may offer some guidance, co-parenting after divorce is a unique situation.  Not only do children sometimes have challenges as the result of the divorce, parents too are transitioning into a new reality.

In collaborative divorce, we often work with a family specialist or child specialist to help families transition from one home, into two.  This neutral party can assist in many aspects of parenting, including the following:

• Coach parents on telling the children about divorce.
• Bring the children’s voice to the process by hearing their concerns and hopes and communicating them to the parents.
• Communication coaching.
• Developing a parenting plan and schedule for parenting in two homes.
• How to maintain relationships with extended family.
• Consulting after divorce as new things arise.
• Periodic check-ins on parenting and child development.
• Any other parenting challenge that arises during or after the divorce.

The child specialist or family neutral is a uniquely qualified individual who can build the strongest family possible.  They can support the children while still helping parents establish routines and a healthy co-parenting relationship.  This work is some of the hardest during a divorce, but often the most rewarding.

To learn more about collaborative divorce, please contact Kimberly Miller.