By Anita Petrovic.
In deciding what living and decision-making arrangements should be ordered for children, the Court looks at, amongst other things, whether parents can co-operate and communicate to make decisions in the children’s best interests.
Parents do not have to like each other to co-parent effectively; but what happens when a parent creates drama or conflict intentionally to try to create a situation where it is not in the children’s best interests for parents to share parental responsibility because of that conflict?
These situations can be stressful for parents who are trying to do the right thing and minimise conflict for the sake of the children. Often when the spotlight of the Court is gone, this type of conflict settles down and parents can work together to communicate effectively. But what about in the meantime?
Courts often make orders in these circumstances for parents to do social science courses or engage in family therapy targeted at improving their communication and co-parenting. These courses and services can assist parents with strategies in how to best approach discussions surrounding the children with the other parent and reduce conflict in the relationship for the benefit of the children.
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