Co-Parenting Versus Parallel Parenting: What Is the Difference?

 Posted on January 05, 2021 in Parenting Time

For some couples, the last step of the divorce equation is finished when the judge signs the divorce decree on the dotted line. You can walk out of that courtroom knowing that will be the last time you ever have to see your former spouse again. However, for parents who get divorced, things are not so easy. Having children with someone creates a relationship that you cannot dissolve with a signature. When you and your ex-spouse do not agree on certain issues, especially core issues such as the allocation of parenting time and decision-making responsibilities, it can be a stressful situation for everyone, including the children. Co-parenting is the default parenting agreement that most parents decide to follow, but parallel parenting can also be utilized in high-conflict situations. Both types of parenting plans have their benefits, but an Illinois child custody lawyer can help you choose the right fit for your family.

Co-Parenting Requires Cooperation Between Parents

Co-parenting is typically the default option that most parents automatically go to when it is time to determine what their parenting plan will look like. However, the traditional co-parenting model is not for all families. The basis of a successful co-parenting relationship is good communication between the parents and a willingness to cooperate and compromise with one another. If you do not have both of those items, you cannot hope to co-parent successfully.

Parallel Parenting Allows You to Keep Your Distance from Your Ex

Parallel parenting, on the other hand, is not as communication-heavy as co-parenting is. For parents who are having trouble talking to each other or who are not working together as well as they should for their children, parallel parenting might be a better fit. In parallel parenting, both parents are able to have their separate parenting time with their children, but at a farther distance than co-parenting. In a parallel parenting arrangement, you would not attend extracurricular activities or school functions together with your ex-spouse. You may not even see your ex on days when you transition custody. The goal of parallel parenting is to cut down on the conflict as much as possible.

Speak With Our Kendall County Divorce Attorneys Today

Deciding to file for divorce was likely one of the most difficult decisions you ever had to make. If you have children, making determinations about your parenting plan can also be difficult, especially if you and your ex do not see eye to eye on the subject. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we understand how challenging it can be to co-parent after your Illinois divorce. Our skilled Yorkville child custody lawyer can help you determine which type of parenting plan would be the best fit for your needs. To schedule a private consultation, call our office today at 630-409-8184.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/better-divorce/202012/co-parenting-or-parallel-parenting-how-know-whats-right

https://goodmenproject.com/divorce/the-6-challenges-of-co-parenting-vs-parallel-parenting-cmtt/

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K602.10