Co-parenting after a divorce or separation can be challenging. Thankfully, access to helpful resources can help parents navigate the process more effectively. In the Twin Cities, many organizations, services and tools are available to assist co-parents with managing custody arrangements, improving communication and resolving disputes.
Certainly, there are numerous resources available widely as well. Technology available on many kind of devices, for example, can help co-parents coordinate schedules, share important information and communicate more effectively. Apps like OurFamilyWizard and Cozi allow parents to track visitation schedules, medical records and school events in one shared space. The Minnesota courts often recommend these tools for parents who need structured and documented communication. Apps like Caribu and Facetime can help parents and kids stay connected as the kids move between households. The list goes on and on.
Seeking support locally
If you’re co-parenting with your ex and you’d like to seek some local support too, there are a number of options available. For example, many family law courts in Minnesota require divorcing or separating parents to complete a parenting class to help them transition into a co-parenting arrangement. Programs like Parents Forever, offered through the University of Minnesota Extension, provide education on effective communication, managing emotions and understanding the impact of divorce on children.
Other organizations, such as the Twin Cities Parenting with Purpose Program, offer workshops tailored to co-parents struggling with conflict, teaching them how to set boundaries, collaborate and keep their child’s needs at the center of their decisions. Additionally, the Minnesota Judicial Branch offers a variety of online and in-person educational opportunities designed just for co-parents.
For legal assistance, parents can work with experienced legal advocates who practice family law specifically. By seeking personalized legal guidance as proactively as possible, parents can better understand their rights and responsibilities under the law, which is important given how much is at stake in a co-parenting arrangement.
Co-parenting is a journey, but Twin Cities parents do not have to navigate it alone. By taking advantage of available resources, parents can build a cooperative and supportive environment that benefits everyone affected.