The spark is gone. Instead, the relationship you have with your spouse is wrought with tension, resentment and unhappiness. You both agree that divorce is the best way forward – but what about your children?
As a parent, your children are the most important thing in your life. So, how can you make sure you still play an active role in their lives after your marriage ends?
What does the law say?
Texas law presumes that parents should be “joint managing conservators” in the event of a divorce. This means that both parents will often retain decision-making responsibilities when it comes to their children’s lives.
Maintaining decision-making responsibilities might ensure you play a role in the fundamentals of their lives, such as their health and upbringing. However, what about the day-to-day?
Standard possession orders will address these matters. Specifically, they establish and organize:
- Parenting time with your child – or possession
- Interactions with your child, such as FaceTime calls or virtual messages – called access
While Texas law presumes divorcing parents to be joint managing conservators, that does not mean that parents will have equal parenting time. Parents must determine a parenting schedule. Agreeing on how to divide time with your children is often difficult since neither parent wants to give up time.
What can you do?
Getting a divorce will change certain aspects of family life. So, how can you stay active in your children’s lives? There are a few steps you can take, regardless of the amount of parenting time you have.
You can:
- Ensure you understand your parental rights
- Commit to a co-parenting relationship, and minimize conflict with your ex-spouse
- Prioritize your children’s best interests
- Stay involved in their personal interests
- Stay connected, by packages in the mail or virtual messages
Putting your kids first is a part of being a parent. However, it becomes much more important to do this after you divorce, to help ensure your children – and you – have a happy and healthy future.