Attorney
Co-parenting after divorce or separation is hard enough, but when there’s ongoing conflict, it can feel nearly impossible. High tensions can create stress not only for parents but also for children caught in the middle. Still, even in difficult situations, it’s possible to build a structure that puts your child’s needs first and helps reduce the emotional toll.
At Staples Law Group, P.A., we help Florida families develop parenting plans that work, even when communication is strained or trust has broken down.
Focus on What Matters Most: Your Child’s Well-Being
In Florida, courts are guided by one standard in parenting matters: the best interests of the child. Under Florida statutes, parenting decisions must support the child’s safety, stability, and emotional development. Parents don’t have to agree on everything, but they do need to keep the focus on the child, not the conflict.
This means setting aside past grievances during parenting discussions. The goal isn’t to win, but to give your child a healthy and supportive environment. We work with families to create arrangements that protect children from the fallout of conflict and allow both parents to remain active and involved.
Keep Communication Business-Like
When emotions run high, communication can quickly go off the rails. That’s why it helps to approach interactions with your co-parent as if you’re conducting business.
Keep things short and focused. Instead of rehashing old arguments, stick to parenting topics like:
- School schedules
- Drop-off and pick-up times
- Medical or extracurricular updates
Avoid sarcasm, accusations, or emotional language. If direct communication has caused problems in the past, consider using tools like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents. These apps keep a record of your messages, which helps reduce misunderstandings and gives both parents space to respond calmly.
Set Boundaries That Create Stability
Boundaries are important in any parenting relationship, but they’re especially important when tension is high. Without clear expectations, small issues can spiral into major disputes.
Examples of healthy boundaries include:
- Limiting communication to set times of day
- Choosing a neutral location for exchanges
- Agreeing not to speak negatively about each other in front of the child
By establishing and respecting these boundaries, you protect your own peace and give your child the consistency they need.
Put the Parenting Plan to Work
One of the most powerful tools you have is a well-written parenting plan. In Florida, parenting plans are required when parents share custody. Fla. Stat. §61.13 outlines what these plans must include, such as:
- A time-sharing schedule
- A method for sharing important decision-making
- A plan for communicating with the child
When the plan is specific and detailed, there’s less room for confusion or manipulation. That structure can reduce arguments and help both parents know where they stand. If your current plan isn’t working, we can help you revise it to better reflect your family’s needs.
Consider Third-Party Help When Needed
Not every parenting dispute needs to end up in court. Sometimes, bringing in a neutral third party can de-escalate the situation and lead to better outcomes. Options include:
- Parenting coordinators – trained professionals who help resolve parenting disputes
- Family counselors or therapists – to help improve communication and emotional regulation
- Supervised exchanges – to reduce the chance of conflict during hand-offs
Florida courts may even order parenting coordination in high-conflict cases. If you’re not sure what resources make sense for your family, we can walk you through your options.
What Not to Do: Mistakes That Can Backfire
When co-parenting is tense, it’s easy to slip into habits that feel satisfying in the moment but hurt your child or your legal position down the line. Common pitfalls include:
- Speaking badly about the other parent in front of your child
- Using your child to send messages
- Ignoring the parenting plan because of a personal disagreement
- Blocking time-sharing as a form of punishment
These actions can make co-parenting harder and may also affect how a judge views your behavior. If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, we’re here to offer guidance and support.
Creating a More Peaceful Path Forward
You don’t have to agree on everything with your co-parent to create a system that works. With the right plan in place and legal support that understands what you’re going through, you can build a path that protects your child and lowers the temperature.
Contact Staples Law Group, P.A. today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you create a co-parenting plan that puts your child first and gives you peace of mind along the way.