When you enter into a co-parenting relationship, there are many things to consider to help this new relationship be successful. No matter what you decide on each topic, good communication is so important. Communicating frequently and documenting all of the decisions is important to keeping everyone on the same page. But many co-parents are not sure what they should discuss or which issues will come up down the line. Some of the things to discuss when co-parenting include:

• Living Arrangements: Consider what living arrangements are the best for holiday custody, birthdays, and regular parenting time. While the courts can step in and help with this, it is often better for the two parents to do it on their own.
• Transportation: Discuss how the kids will get to and from school, who will handle the after school activities, and how to get from one home to another. Consider how the kids will be contacted when they are away from one parent.
• Any applicable faith, health, or education topics: This can include the homework that needs to be done and how the kids are doing in school, any future appointments or potential health concerns, and religious practices that the other parent may not know about.
• Financial responsibilities: While both parents need to be financially responsible for their kids, you do need to discuss some of the finances. One thing to consider is who will claim the tax credit for the child as a dependent; both parents can’t do this. Or questions around trusts and long term financial planning (think firms like Dominion, etc).
• Guardianship agreements if one of the parents dies while the child is still underage, you need to have this in place.
• Emergencies: No one wants to have an emergency occur with their children, but it can occur. Having a good plan in place to help handle this, and knowing how to contact the other parent in case of an emergency can make a difference.
• Rules: Set guidelines for the routines and activities that need to be consistently enforced within both homes. This can include homework times, meal times, bath, and bed routine to keep things organized.
• Relationships: You should both discuss the boundaries and allowances when it comes to social activities and friends. For example, the two of you should come to some agreement about when the children are old enough to start dating, and then stay consistent with it,
• Parental life changes: Take the time to communicate about any major changes that occur in the living situation for either parent. This is important for situations like when to introduce a new significant other to the children.

No matter what happened between you and your partner that led to the co-parenting relationship, you need to find a way to talk through all of these topics and come to an agreement that is in the best interest for the children. Co-parenting requires good communication, even if the two of you are not good friends. Take the time to go over the topics above and communicate clearly to be the best parents to your children possible.