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Reducing contact with a coparent after divorce

On Behalf of | Jul 27, 2020 | Divorce |

When people in Fairfax County get a divorce, one way to heal from it may be to go no-contact with the former spouse. This might not be possible if there are minor children, but parents can have a very low-contact relationship if necessary.

First, the parent seeking low contact should unfriend and unfollow the ex-spouse on all social media platforms. They should agree on certain methods of contact, such as a landline and email, and block or delete any other methods of communication. They should also try to avoid places where they are likely to run into the ex-spouse, including events that the child is at. They might have to make an agreement with the other parent about which one of them will attend which events. If it is not possible to avoid the ex-spouse in public, they should just briefly acknowledge them and move on. They should avoid contact with the ex-spouse’s family and others who might talk to them.

Parents can make this process less difficult by creating a strong parenting plan when they get a divorce that leaves little need for renegotiation. If they are using email for communication, they should only respond to emails about the children with short, focused answers and ignore any other communication. Parents can also do pickups and drop-offs without seeing one another.

People who want to begin the no-contact process during the divorce may be able to do so. Their attorney can communicate with the ex-spouse. Attorneys might also be able to carry out negotiations on an individual’s behalf or speak for the individual during litigation. Another problem that might arise is the noncustodial parent failing to pay child support or not adhering to the custody schedule. An attorney may help in resolving these situations as well without contact.

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