Are you being respectful in your communications with the other parent? Or are you being a jerk? Is your communication necessary, or just sent to harass the other parent? Do you respond to the other parent’s communications just as badly as they communicate with you?
HOW SHOULD YOU COMMUNICATE?
If your relationship with the other parent is contentious, then be smart about how you communicate with them. Limit your communication to texting or a parental app and keep it to essential communication about the children. If you don’t have a legitimate issue regarding the children that must be addressed with the other party, then don’t send the text.
ARE YOUR COMMUNICATIONS SUBJECT TO THE JUDGE’S SCRUTINY?
Be smart. Anything you communicate in writing to the other parent can (and will be) brought into court as evidence and used against you. Before you send your text ask yourself if you would want the judge to see your text. And ask yourself if your text shows you in a flattering or derogatory light to the judge. Offensive and disparaging comments aimed at the other parent will be used to show your lack of fitness as a parent.
HOW SHOULD YOU RESPOND TO COMMUNICATION?
If you are receiving derogatory communication from the other parent, learn to have self-control when you receive a text that upsets you. There’s no law saying you must respond immediately. In fact, the communication you receive may not require any response at all. Be the bigger person, as nothing is gained by keeping the bantering going. If you engage with the other parent, the judge considers you just as bad as the person who sent the original text. Just remember, inappropriate texts and responses can be used against you in court.
IN SUMMARY
While the other parent may poke at you via text, email, or calls, this is the time for you to dig deep and develop self-control about how and when to interact with the other parent. Take control and learn to select when you will respond, and how you will respond (if at all). Taking back control will lower your anxiety and reduce the back and forth between you and the other parent. And if your case does end up in front of the judge, you have not given the judge anything to hold against you.
LET ME WORRY ABOUT WHAT MATTERS MOST … YOUR FAMILY. GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.
The hallmark of my family law practice is providing you with top quality legal service by being intensely responsive to my clients. I will work hard to protect your rights to your children and property by helping you to secure the best possible outcome to complex legal situations, and giving you your strongest voice in the family law process.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about our services, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC online or call (616) 608-4634. Our office is located at 411 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
