In our time serving Saint Louis County families, we have seen divorcing parents make many mistakes. We are all mere humans, so this is not out of the ordinary. However, failing to learn from one’s mistakes makes the situation worse.

One of the biggest mistakes we have seen parents make involves failing to guard their right to share child custody. Raising happy and healthy children is a massive commitment that may last 18 years or a lifetime. Whether you like it or not, this is a commitment that you must share with your ex.

You will probably have to deal with your co-parent for the rest of your life. He or she will attend your child’s school functions, graduations, weddings, the birth of grandchildren and many other events. The things you say and do in the presence of your ex, or on social media platforms, can come back to haunt you in many ways.

For example, if a noncustodial parent arrives to drop off the kids and finds you intoxicated, even just a little, he or she may try to use that against you. If your co-parent becomes concerned about your behavior or is filled with spite against you, it may harm your arrangement.

As family law attorneys, we want to caution all parents to mind what they always do and say. Until your children are adults with their own lives to live, never forget that you must still maintain at least some level of involvement with your ex.

Our firm’s website features a lot of useful information for divorcing parents. Please continue browsing if you would appreciate additional information about your child custody rights.