In a column published on 8/11 in Law.com, Family Law Attorney Rebecca Palmer discusses how to prepare for the school year while co-parenting effectively. She emphasizes the legal requirements, proactive planning, and healthy communication to ensure a child’s educational success and well-being.

“While your parenting plan provides a framework, life is dynamic,” writes Rebecca. “Be open to reasonable adjustments and compromises, especially for minor scheduling conflicts or school-related events. Courts often view flexibility as a positive indicator of a parent’s commitment to their child’s well-being. Even when it is difficult to hide your emotions, your attitude toward your co-parent and the school experience significantly impacts your child.”

Rebecca also talks about the benefits of mediation. “It’s natural for disagreements to arise, but how you handle them matters. If, after reflecting on your marriage, you notice difficulty in handling arguments, explore dispute resolution options, such as mediation, for current disagreements. Take advantage of this collaborative option before resorting to court intervention. Mediation can be a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to resolve issues. For example, the process can help address disputes around extracurricular activities, tutoring support, or disagreements about significant medical decisions for your children,” writes Rebecca.

Read the news story in full; click here (subscriber-based).