Family & Divorce

Co-Parenting or Co-operative Parenting – what does it mean?

“Co-Parenting” or “shared care” is a phrase used widely by lawyers and Judges when considering a child’s welfare in court proceedings.

27 Mar 2023

Team name
Sally Ward

Sally Ward

Shared care is often misunderstood as an arrangement where the child or children spend equal amounts of time with each parent. What it actually means is parents who have separated sharing their time and involvement in bringing up their children in a way that works for their children. If you think about it, even parents who are still together rarely manage to split the childcare 50/50 as work and other life or family commitments mean this is simply not workable.

Co-parenting means building a better relationship with the other parent to enable you to take actions and make decisions in the best interests of your child.

The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew MacFarlane, recently said that “Co-Operative parenting” is a phrase which is a better phrase.  CAFCASS agree with this and say that whilst the phrase “co-parenting” is used widely by professionals, it is rarely by parents themselves.

Ways to do this can include:

  • Separating your personal feelings towards your ex from the parenting relationship you have with your ex: this enables you to make decisions in your child’s best interests.
  • Making sure that you consult with the other parent in relation to all important decisions about your child
  • Making sure that you have an effective line of communication.
  • Always speak positively about the other parent in front of and in ear shot of your child
  • Try to respect the other parent’s parenting style even if it differs with your own
  • Ensuring that you do not discuss financial issues or any court proceedings with your child or in front of your child

M&P Commentary

Sally Ward, Head of our Family team said:

“It is not easy and it takes two willing parents and a little bit of work to be able to move forward in an effective “co-parenting/co-operative parenting relationship”.  We can help with that by trying to open up a dialogue with the other parent and pointing you in the direction of resources and other agencies that can help.”

OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US

Ranked highly in Romford and Brentwood for solicitor firms

Family
The service I received from Allison was exceptional. Always highly professional and informative.
Virginia
Wills
Mullis and Peake are very efficient, professional and friendly company to deal with. Excellent service throughout.
Brian
Employment
Excellent, swift service from Esther at Mullis & Peake. Showed clear expertise in her field & walked me through everything patiently & thoroughly.
Dan
Company and Commercial
I found the service provided was excellent from start to finish, with our requirements met in a timely manner throughout.
Gary
Wills
Staff very helpful and friendly. Trudi was easy to talk to and to understand the procedure.
Pamela
Dispute resolution
We contacted Martyn to deal with a sensitive Will dispute and we can’t thank him enough for his commitment and hard work.
Salena
Residential Property
Very prompt. Experienced. Expert. Friendly.
Trevor
Commercial Property
Excellent service and far quicker than previous negotiations using a different solicitor.
John
Family
At all times I was kept informed about the progress of the case and everything was completed in a timely fashion.
Melanie
Personal Injury
Martyn undertook and guided me through the lengthy process [of a personal injury case], and after much work, achieved a successful result.
Shirley

Related News insights

Employment Advice (For Business), Legal
New Sexual Harassment Rules May Signal End of Office Parties
Company & Commercial, Legal
Typhoo Tea Administration Buyout – A Legal View
Family & Divorce, Legal
Parental Responsibility – a definition
Charity & Fundraising, Mullis & Peake
Give a Child a Christmas Campaign 2024