With a divorce rate of 2.3 per 1,000 residents and over nine million people living in the state, New Jersey sees tens of thousands of divorces on a yearly basis. If you have decided to pursue divorce or separation, you’re not alone. The process requires a lot of serious, life-altering decisions, including how you will parent your children.
You may be familiar with terms like co-parenting and parallel parenting, but how do you know which type of arrangement will be right for you? Discover the differences between these two parenting plans so you can make the most informed decision about how you want to move forward during this challenging time.
Defining Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting
Co-parenting describes an arrangement in which two separating or divorcing parents living in separate homes work together to raise their children. Each parent consults the other about how to meet the child’s needs and coordinate schedules, activities, schooling, and sometimes even household rules. Some choose to coordinate attending family outings and other events together.
Parallel parenting refers to an arrangement in which parents in separate homes raise their children independently without consulting one another. Separating or divorcing parents in contentious relationships who find calm communication challenging typically enter into these types of agreements, as co-parenting requires frequent communication.
The Differences Between Parenting Arrangements
Co-parenting and parallel parenting seem very similar on the surface. However, these two concepts differ in terms of what goes into the parenting plan and how plans are developed and administered.
Here are the major differences between co-parenting and parallel parenting in the separation or divorce process:
- Plan Development: Co-parenting requires divorcing parents to work together to develop the plan, while parallel parenting plans are often handed down by a judge
- Plan Contents: Co-parenting plans cover big and small issues like education, healthcare, and activities, whereas parallel parenting plans set rules for each spouse
- Plan Administration: Co-parenting plans are usually administered collaboratively between both spouses, while parallel parenting plans involve limited (or no) communication
Often, these plans become part of the separation agreement or official divorce documents, so they are usually binding for parents regardless of how they were developed.
Deciding on Your Ideal Parenting Arrangement
Many experts believe co-parenting to be ideal given the several benefits it offers, which include the following:
- Reducing conflict between parents
- Creating more continuity between environments
- Offering emotional stability within amicable relationships
However, there are cases in which spouses are hostile toward one another or where allegations of domestic abuse have been made. If you find yourself in such a situation, avoiding communication with parallel parenting may be better.
Parallel parenting plans handed down by the judge are binding. The legal agreement can keep conflict at bay and ensure a focus on the child’s best interests.
Seeking Professional Help With the Divorce and Child Custody Process
Undoubtedly, separation and divorce are difficult situations on their own. When you have children, it can be confusing to figure out how to navigate the process of parenting them in a way that ensures their physical and emotional needs are met. A neutral third-party perspective from a divorce attorney can be extremely valuable.A legal professional can help you understand and consider the major issues you need to think about regarding parenting. They will also ensure that your rights are respected throughout the mediation process. With the help of an attorney, you can make a solid plan for moving forward during a highly sensitive time.
Contact an Experienced Monmouth County Child Custody Attorney at The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC for Legal Advice
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call our divorce & family law firm in Red Bank. NJ at (732) 747-1882 or contact us online today.
You can also visit our law firm at 157 Broad St #111, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
