Family Law is arguably the legal profession’s most volatile
field. Certainly, there are a number of other fields that could vie for this
claim. Intellectual Property Law is in constant flux, there is often palpable
tension at Real Estate closings, and in Criminal Law, individual freedom often
hangs in the balance. However, it is in the realm of Family Law that those with
deep emotional hurt must plot out the remaining years of those who are most
important to them: their children. All too often, individuals are blinded by
their disgust and anger with their ex-partners to properly address
co-parenting. Are there times when a parent effectively has chosen to alienate
themselves from their child? Unfortunately, that answer is sometimes yes, but a
significant majority of the time parents simply fail to work well with one
another.
The
Huffington Post recently took on the subject of the importance of co-parenting.
The theme of the narrative is “Don’t Pack A
Bag”. In short, the article’s message is
that while the child may have separate homes, he or she should not have
separate lives. A child should not be made to feel that his or her life is
transitory, or that they are a visitor in their own home. In Section B,
Paragraph 6, Subsection (c) of New Hampshire’s parenting plan
form, the State attempts to address this
specific issue with a checkbox. Still, there are many issues that a model form
cannot cover. The article wants to draw attention to the fact that details are
important. New co-parents are frequently concerned with amounts of time that
“they get”, while children just want more time. At Parnell, Michels & McKay, we believe part
of the attorney’s role is to try to help guide new co-parents through this
transitionary period in their parenting.
Too
often, new co-parents lose sight of the little details. New co-parents are
unaware of the impact that poorly-managed separate homes that are founded upon equally
poorly drafted parenting plans could have on a child. When ex-spouses or
ex-lovers seek to structure their lives as an independent bastion against the
other, their ability to co-parent is sufficiently diminished. While not
suitable for every situation, new co-parents do well to frame their thinking neutrally.
The key question ought to be what is in the best interest of our child, not what is my best interest
for my child.
Parenting
is not easy. Determining a balanced parenting plan between two people who carry
significant polarizing emotions between one another is all the more difficult. If you are
thinking about divorce, or have recently separated from a longtime companion
but were not married, the attorneys at Parnell, Michels & McKay can help. We
seek to counsel people through the turbulence that arises from the changes in
one’s personal life. We strive to provide a fair evaluation of the legal
entanglements involved in Family Law and what one can expect once the
unexpected happens. If you are interested in learning more about parenting
plans, divorce, child support, or any other legal worries, please contact us to learn
more. Let us help you begin to get your life back on track.
-- David M. Stamatis, Esq.
-- David M. Stamatis, Esq.
