Chicago Parent Asks about “Ex-Etiquette” When it Comes to Sharing Equal Custody of Children

Navigating a Chicago divorce with children does not always involve figuring out a legal strategy. Indeed, some of the hardest fought battles that Chicago couples that are going through the complex Chicago divorce process may experience are those that are fought outside of the courtroom in the hallways, driveways, and conversations between ex-spouses and soon-to-be exes. One Chicago parent asked the Chicago Tribune’s advice columnist about what she should do to practice better “ex-etiquette,” in light of the fact that her new husband shares equal custody of his three children with his ex-wife. This Chicago parent’s inquiry is one that many Chicago parents may have themselves, as they go through the Chicago divorce process with children.

An anonymous Chicago parent wrote to the Chicago Tribune asking for help and explaining, “Six months ago, I married a man who shares equal custody of his three children with their mother. I get along great with the kids, and they have often asked me to join them at their recitals, open house and parent-teacher conferences.” The anonymous parent went on to elaborate that, “Their dad and I are always careful to tell their mother in advance when I will be attending. It doesn’t matter. She still gets angry and has told us on many occasions that she doesn’t think it appropriate that I attend.” The parent then asked, “What’s good ex-etiquette?”

The “First Rule of Good Ex-Etiquette for Parents”

The Chicago Tribune had a lot to share with the Chicago parent concerned about her manners towards her new husband’s ex. First, the Chicago Tribune advised that, “The first rule to good Ex-Etiquette for Parents is, ‘Put the children first.’ Therefore, my answer will start with the kids’ feelings, but also take mom’s feelings into account. If the kids are asking you, then it’s important to attend.” The Chicago Tribune, however, went on to caution that easing into the role of stepmom and the attendance of events that comes with that role may put her new husband’s ex at ease. The newspaper explained, “Ex-etiquette rule No. 7, ‘Use empathy when problem solving.’ If you put yourself in mom’s shoes, you’d probably slow down. That’s good ex-etiquette.”

Getting Legal Help with Child Custody Issues in Chicago – Chicago Child Custody Lawyer

When it comes to litigating child custody matters in court, it is important for Chicago parents to know that legal help is available. If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your Chicago child custody matter, it is important to speak with an experienced Chicago child custody lawyer as soon as possible about your case. The experienced Chicago child custody lawyers at the law firm of Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help Chicago parents with their challenging child custody issues. They can help by listening to the facts of your specific and unique case to see if they can help fight for your rights in court. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

chicagotribune.com/2024/07/19/ex-etiquette-threes-a-crowd/