Tips for Successful Co-Parenting After Your Divorce

 Posted on October 23, 2026 in Family Law

The majority of parents who get divorced will share parenting time of their children. It is rare nowadays that you see one parent given sole custody and decision-making responsibilities and the other parent left with nothing. Most divorce courts recognize that unless a parent is abusive or detrimental to the child’s well-being, it is in the child’s best interest to have both parents active and present in his or her life. If you are going through a divorce, you should start thinking about how you and your ex will work together in a co-parenting relationship.

At Elkouri Heath, PLC, we understand that custody arrangements can be difficult to balance. Our Novi, MI child custody attorneys can help you create a sound parenting plan and stand up for your rights before, during, and after a divorce, drawing on over two decades of experience serving families in southeastern Michigan.

How Can Co-Parents Work Together After a Divorce in 2026?

Co-parenting is never easy, especially if your divorce was less-than-amicable. Though it will not come without serious time and effort on your part, successful co-parenting can be achieved. These tips can help:

Realize You Now Have a Different Relationship with Your Ex

Though you are no longer married, your relationship with your ex will be forever because of your child. It will not be the same relationship that you had during your marriage. It is often easier to think of your co-parenting relationship like a business relationship – it does not matter how you feel about your ex. What matters is the happiness and well-being of your child.

Work on Your Communication

Communication is key to successful co-parenting. Though you may still have feelings of anger or resentment toward your ex, you must put those aside for the sake of your child. It can help to keep a business-like tone when talking to your ex. It reminds both you and them that your new relationship is not one that concerns feelings. It can also be helpful to keep your conversations strictly about your child. 

Be Consistent with Your Child

It can be stressful enough for your child to have gone through a divorce – adapting to a new two-household situation can be difficult for them. Having different expectations at each house only breeds conflict between parents and confusion for your child. It is important that behavioral expectations are the same at both households, as well as routines. If your child always starts his or her homework after dinner, make sure it is the same at both homes.

How Do Michigan Judges Decide on Parenting Time?

Michigan judges decide on parenting time by looking at what is best for the child. State law presumes that a child does well when they have a strong bond with both parents (MCL 722.27a). In most cases, that means each parent gets regular time with the child. Still, the schedule can look very different from one family to the next.

A judge may weigh several things when setting a parenting time schedule. These can include the child’s age, any history of abuse or neglect, and how far apart the parents live. The judge may also look at whether a parent has skipped visits in the past. A long drive between homes can limit how often exchanges happen. A baby may need shorter, more frequent visits than a teenager.

Parents who agree on a schedule can submit it to the court. Judges often approve plans that both parents worked out together, as long as the plan serves the child. When parents cannot agree, the judge will set the schedule for them.

What if My Co-Parent Won’t Follow the Parenting Plan?

When a co-parent will not follow the parenting plan, you have options before you ask a judge to step in. A motion to show cause asks the court to hold the other parent in contempt. It can be a useful tool, but it is not always the best first step. Smaller measures can sometimes fix the problem faster and with less conflict. Some steps to consider include:

• Keep a written record: Write down each missed visit, late drop-off, or broken rule. Note the date, the time, and what happened.

• Talk in writing: Send calm, short messages by text, email, or a co-parenting app. This creates a record and keeps the focus on your child.

• Try mediation: A neutral mediator can help you and your co-parent find a solution you can both live with.

• Contact the Friend of the Court: Each Michigan county has a Friend of the Court office. You can file a written complaint about denied parenting time, and the office may set up a meeting or arrange makeup time.

If these steps do not work, a motion to show cause may be the next move. Your records can show the judge a pattern rather than a single mistake. A judge has several options, such as ordering makeup time or changing the schedule.

How Should Co-Parents Talk to Their Children After a Divorce?

Co-parents should talk to their children after a divorce in ways that let the children love both parents. A child should never feel like they have to pick a side. When one parent turns a child against the other parent, it is called parental alienation. It can damage the child’s bond with a parent for years. It can also hurt your own case if a judge sees it happening.

Try to keep adult problems between the adults. Do not ask your child to spy or report back on the other household. Do not share court papers or details about why the marriage ended. If your child seems upset after a visit, listen first. 

Contact Our Oakland County, MI Child Custody Lawyers 

In order to set yourself up for success in co-parenting, you should build yourself a good foundation, and the foundation of any successful co-parenting is a solid parenting plan and custody agreement. At Elkouri Heath, PLC, we can help you with all aspects of your divorce, including all of your child-related needs. Our skilled Novi, MI family law attorneys will work closely with both you and your ex to create a parenting plan and custody agreement that works for everyone. To set up a free consultation, call our office today at 248-344-9700.