253-357-5395
Call Us Anytime: Phones Answered 24/7

Experienced. Innovative. Trusted.

Group photo of the attorneys and staff members at Clement Law Center

After the Divorce: When Parents Disagree

Raising a child involves many decisions. Some of these decisions are day-to-day, while others are huge decisions that have much more impact on a child and their development. Often, when parents get divorced, there is disagreement that takes place on what each person thinks is best for the child. Knowing some possible disagreement points, and knowing how to cut down on those disagreements is beneficial and overall, much better for the child.

Problems Faced by Parents

Parents often face problems and disagreements about the child’s extra activities. These can include school-sponsored sports, musical lessons, and organized clubs such as Girl Scouts or 4H. When parents disagree about the type of activity the child will be involved in, one parent may hold a child back from participating in an activity. A parent may also not be aware that their child signed up for an activity and has little information regarding performances or demands of the child.

School related issues are also a problem for divorced parents. Trying to find a particular type of school may present conflict, but also decisions on whether to home school a child may be difficult. Sometimes, parents are not on the same page with schooling and one may allow the child to have poor attendance. Parents can also be uninformed about homework and a child’s grades can suffer.

One other area in which parents may disagree is the course of action to take in regards to the child’s religion. One parent may feel that a certain religion should be followed for the child, while the other disagrees. Parents can also disagree on regular church attendance and the importance of religion in the child’s life.

Ways to Resolve the Problems

The best ways to resolve many of these issues is to stop and ask, “What is really in the best interest of my child?” If the best interest of the child is being in a club or attending a certain type of school than that is the decision that needs to be made. When parents disagree, it puts the child in the middle and adds extra strain on their lives.

Another way to minimize disagreement is to keep lines of communication open. Telling the other parent about upcoming projects, activities and performances does turn out to be best for the child. The child needs the support of both parents, and by cutting one out of the communication picture; the child is the one missing out.

When Help is Needed

Sometimes, parents will try to do things in the best interest of the child and will attempt to work with the other parent, without success. When one parents proves extremely difficult, parents need to know their boundaries, but also need to reach out for help when the child is suffering.

Experienced family lawyers will work with parents in order to protect children and do what is in their best interest. Calling upon such a lawyer in a time of need is a wise decision one will likely not regret.