Making the conscious decision to end your marriage with your spouse might leave you hoping that you won’t have to cross paths again, especially if the grounds for divorce were particularly painful.
However, avoiding your ex-spouse is often easier said than done. Many divorced couples find themselves inevitably seeing each other due to the conditions of their divorce. This is especially true for co-parents, given child custody arrangements and other parenting schedules.
Post-divorce, you might find yourself seeing your ex when dropping off or picking up the kids. Even after your children have grown up, milestones such as graduations, birthdays, and other events might still bring you together.
But what if you could minimize these encounters? Believe it or not, there are ways to limit contact with your ex-spouse, even when children are involved. Keep reading to discover how.
Staying Private in a Digital Age
In today’s digital world, many of our interactions occur online. Your first step should be to make sure your online presence is private and shielded from your ex-spouse.
Start by adjusting your settings on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Consider going private, muting friends, and customizing who can send you friend requests or direct messages.
But don’t stop there. Review other shared connections with your ex-spouse. Are you both on shared subscriptions like Netflix? If so, consider ending them. Do you have joint banking details? Ensure they’re private.
Limit Face-to-Face Interactions When Possible
When co-parenting, you don’t need to meet in person for every little thing. Where feasible, keep your communications with your ex-spouse digital. Thanks to the internet, you have a multitude of platforms at your disposal.
Using messaging platforms can be a game-changer. It allows both parties to keep conversations brief and on-topic. You can respond at your convenience, reducing the emotional intensity often present in direct interactions. Plus, having a digital record of your chats can be beneficial for reference.
Opt for Supervised Exchanges
Just because you’re co-parenting doesn’t mean you need to see your ex-spouse every time, especially when sharing custody. Consider opting for supervised exchanges.
In this arrangement, a neutral third party oversees the transfer of children from one home to the other. This way, direct face-to-face meetings with your ex can be minimized.
Emotional Detachment
Let’s face it: even if you adhere to all the tips mentioned in this blog, situations may still arise where you encounter your ex-spouse face to face. So, what’s the best approach in such instances?
Emotional detachment. It serves as an invaluable tool to maintain harmony. Essentially, you’ll want to disengage from any strong feelings related to your ex during these encounters. However, mastering this technique is no easy feat and demands a profound level of emotional intelligence.
Conclusion
Divorces are challenging for everyone involved, especially when borne from painful circumstances. While co-parenting has many advantages, it isn’t always the best option for you and your children. Consult with a child custody lawyer to help determine what your best strategy will be to meet your family law case goals moving forward.
By doing so, you pave the way to transition into a post-divorce life, free from the shackles of a painful past. At the same time, both parents can contribute positively to the growth and well-being of their children.
Media Information:
Colwell Law Group, LLC
(518) 512-0257
200 Great Oaks Blvd Suite 224, Albany, , NY 12203
