How a Parenting Class Can Help Me and My Ex-spouse Co-parent in Texas?

In Texas, when parents get divorced their court may require them to take a co-parenting course prior to the finalization of their case. This is due in so small part because the conflict between parents is typically higher during the divorce and separation than it is in the subsequent years post-divorce. In what ways, then, can a parenting class help divorcing spouses bridge the gap between being married and divorced parents.

Why do courts require co-parenting classes?

For starters, the children involved in the divorce will typically do best when their parents manage to get along and parent together as a unit rather than as separate entities with their own goals. More so than the actual divorce itself, it is the aforementioned conflict between the parents that most adversely affect the children.

The focus of the course is especially important. A simple Google search can reveal the courses that Harris and other southeast Texas counties recommend utilizing. These courses all emphasize both child and adult adjustment to post-divorce life as it will be a transition period for everyone involved. Co-parenting is typically the biggest piece of the course subject matter. Improving communication between the parents (and children) in my opinion the most relevant and important skill that a divorcing parent can learn from a co-parenting course.

What Must Be Covered in a Court Ordered Parenting Class In Texas?

Pursuant to Texas Family Code Section 105.009, the course must cover the following issues:

1. the emotional effects of divorce on parents;
2. the emotional and behavioral reactions to divorce by young children and adolescents;
3. parenting issues relating to the concerns and needs of children at different development stages;
4. stress indicators in young children and adolescents;
5. conflict management;
6. family stabilization through the development of a co-parenting relationship;
7. the financial responsibilities of parenting;
8. family violence, spousal abuse, and child abuse and neglect; and
9. the availability of community services and resources.

Other Benefits of Co-Parenting Courses

Also of value is coursework that allows parents to see the divorce from the perspective of their children based on their ages. Teenagers may be able to comprehend the issues at hand better than younger children due to advanced levels of maturity, while younger children may need parents to show through physical attention to the child that their lives may be changing but neither parent is going anywhere.

Parents stand to benefit in their own ways as well. Co-parenting courses can help the adults adapt to both separation as well as post-divorce life by offering coping mechanisms and techniques to help their children. Also, by participating in these courses parents can use the time to think through their own feelings and emotions in regard to the divorce process. Even if both parents are in favor of the divorce that doesn't necessarily mean that emotional scarring will not occur.

Last, co-parenting courses will typically go over the basics of the divorce from a legal context. Parenting plans, child and spousal support are common topics.

The attorneys with the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC are equipped to help you and your family manage a divorce. Please contact our office today to learn more about our office and attorneys.

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Other Articles you may be interested in:

1. How to Co Parent with an Addict Ex-Spouse
2. Post-Divorce Anger Issues: Co-parenting advice in difficult circumstances
3. Co parenting when you and your children live in different states
4. How Does Summertime Visitation Work for Divorced Parents in Texas?
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6. 10 Quick Tips About Parental Visitation
7. When Your Child's Extended Family Wants Visitation in Texas
8. Supervised Visitation in a Texas Divorce: Can it happen to me?
9. Grandparent Visitation Rights in Texas?
10. In Texas are Child Support and Visitation Connected?

Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, Texas Divorce Lawyers

The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it's important to speak with one of our Houston, TX Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.

Our divorce lawyers in Houston TX are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC handles Divorce cases in Houston, Texas, Cypress, Klein, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, The Woodlands, the FM 1960 area, or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County and Waller County.