Parents who are going through a custody battle usually can’t avoid communicating about the children. As the case becomes more contentious, they may need to find ways to decrease the chance of a fight when they communicate.
One option that might be viable in these cases is written communication. This may happen through text messages, emails or a parenting app. Written messages create a record of what was said, when it was said and how each parent responded. Those points can become important if there are ever disagreements about what was said or done.
Time to consider your response
When communication is handled in writing, both parties have a chance to read what was said and then decide how to respond. Unlike verbal communication, you can take time to consider what you want to say and how your words might be construed by the other parent. Typically, it’s best to keep messages short and focused on the children.
Review previous messages
In some cases, the issue that leads to arguments is one parent not remembering past conversations properly. Taking the time to review previous messages can prevent this. It’s especially important if you’re dealing with things like schedule changes, school events, medical appointments or anything related to finances.
Limit communication to the chosen method
It might be tempting to call your ex or to have the children pass messages, but it’s usually best not to give in to those temptations. Instead, stick to the written communication since it keeps everything in one location.
Having the terms for communication included in the parenting plan is beneficial. This enables both parties to understand their responsibilities and what to expect.