Making a decision that causes disruption in life is never easy, even when the person making the decision believes that he or she is doing what is best. Sometimes, things get a lot worse before they get better. This is often the case when a New Jersey parent decides to file for divorce.
There are certain negotiation skills that can make finalizing a divorce settlement a lot less stressful, especially concerning child custody or property division issues. However, if one parent is willing to cooperate and work as a team but the other is confrontational and determined to make trouble, additional support may be needed to help overcome any obstacles that arise.
Successful negotiations involve being a good listener
Especially regarding child custody issues, parents must be willing to listen to each other in order to negotiate a co-parenting agreement. It is important for a concerned parent to understand state guidelines and also to know the court’s intervention may be sought if parents are unable to reach an agreement about a specific issue. As far as negotiations are considered, however, remaining calm when stating one’s goals and needs, as well as quiet and attentive when the other person is speaking, increases the chances of being able to achieve an agreeable co-parenting arrangement.
When even the best negotiation skills are unsuccessful
A New Jersey parent can apply his or her best negotiation skills and still find it impossible to achieve a fair parenting agreement, especially if the other parent is being dishonest or uncooperative. In such cases, the court can step in to make child custody decisions on the parents’ behalf. Once a court order is issued, both parents must fully adhere to its terms; if a co-parent disregards a child custody order, the other parent may seek legal support to resolve the matter.