Getting divorced and learning how to co-parent with a former spouse is no easy task. When a remarriage takes place, a whole new level of challenges can be experienced for parents and kids alike. Parents remarrying with kids need to work hard not only to make their new families successful but also to maintain strong relationships between their children and their former spouses.

HandInHandParenting explains that for children who live in two homes, a parent and new stepparent should allow extra space for emotional adjustments when kids come back from the other parent’s home. Some children will make this transition easier than others but it is nonetheless a switch for all kids. Being cognizant of this can help children more seamlessly move back and forth.

Both a biological and a stepparent must be very mindful to always be respectful about and to the other biological parent. Doing anything else not only undermines the child’s relationship with that parent but may also undermine the child’s relationship with the disrespectful parent or stepparent. This can take many forms from greeting the other parent politely and even warmly to complimenting the other parent in front of or directly to the child.

Similarly, Empowering Parents advises moms and dads to be wary of the temptation to try and outdo a stepchild’s other biological parent. A stepmom, for example, should never think she can be a better mom to her stepkids. Parents in blended families should work hard to establish special relationships for the stepkids and stepparents so that the relationships with the biological parents are never threatened.

If you believe that you and your spouse are headed for a divorce, the number of things running through your head may be endless. If you have young children still at home, concerns about their welfare during and after the divorce are likely to be among your top priorities. One specific thing that many Florida parents sometimes struggle with is the conversation with children in which they are initially told about the divorce.

The Huffington Post provides many tips for parents in this situation. One of the most important may well be to wait until you are absolutely sure that divorce is the path that you are in fact going down. If you and your spouse are only talking about the possibility of splitting up, there is no reason to say anything to your children. Worrying them or upsetting them only to later determine that no divorce ensues is putting kids through something for no reason.

Once you know that you are getting divorced, you should carve out a special time to talk to your kids. Make sure everyone is well rested and well fed and that there is ample time for discussion. Encourage kids to ask questions and answer them as honestly as you can. Take caution to avoid blaming yourself, your spouse and especially your children for the divorce.

If you would like to learn more about how to talk to your kids about your divorce, please feel free to visit the divorcing with children page of our Florida family law website.

When you, and other Florida couples, are going through a divorce, there are a number of issues that must be settled. If you are a parent, one of the most challenging of these may be your child custody arrangement. At Sparkman Law Firm, we know that both parents generally want what is best for their children, but often disagree about what that is. Consequently, child custody determinations frequently fall to the court. In this post, we will discuss how child custody is decided in the state of Florida.

With few exceptions, it is important for children to have a relationship with both of their parents. As such, Florida state law dictates that both parents should share the joys, rights and responsibilities of raising their children. Therefore, shared parenting agreements are encouraged in most cases. Through this type of arrangement, you and your child’s other parent will time-share with your child. Further, you will both still be involved in making decisions regarding your child’s upbringing, health, education and other important issues.

In order to decide if shared parenting is appropriate in you case, the court will consider a number of factors. The judge will then make his or her determination based on what is in your child’s best interests. Under state law, the factors the court may take into account include the following:

•          The moral fitness, mental health and physical health of both parents
•          Each parent’s willingness to communicate with the child’s other parent
•          The child’s home, community and school record
•          Each parent’s willingness to encourage a continuing parent-child relationship
•          The child’s developmental needs
•          The past and anticipated division of parental responsibilities

Additionally, the court may consider the wishes of the parents and the child when determining child custody agreements. A history of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, sexual violence or child abandonment may also be taken into account.

For more information about child custody agreements in Florida, please visit our What Is the Best Interests of the Child page.