Articles Posted by Nicole A. Kobis

The start of a new school year can bring to light new issues in even the most workable and amicable co-parenting arrangement. Starting in late summer through early fall, families must manage school forms, schedule changes, teacher communications, homework, new activity schedules, transportation, and special events, often with little notice as back to school items fill parental calendars. For separated parents, those ordinary demands can become a source of conflict when expectations are unclear or information does not reach both homes.

The most effective approach is a reliable process for exchanging information, making decisions, and following through keeping in mind that each member of your family is adjusting through the transition out of summer and into the brand new school year.

Children benefit when they know who will pick them up, where their school materials will be, and how each parent will respond to school obligations. Parents also reduce their own stress when they address predictable issues before they become urgent which will help the entire family readjust from summer routines to school year schedules.

A Guardian Ad Litem, often called a “GAL”, plays a commonly misunderstood role in a New Jersey custody dispute. Parents first encounter the term in the middle of a stressful moment, usually after a contested motion, during a case management conference, or when a judge signals the court needs clearer information from someone doing work outside the courtroom. While a GAL does not decide custody they can significantly influence how a judge understands the child’s needs and the practical realities of each parent’s home.

In New Jersey Family Part matters, the GAL is typically appointed under New Jersey Court Rule 5:8B, which allows the court to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem in cases where custody or parenting time is at issue, and the circumstances warrant the appointment. The GAL’s function is to assist the court in evaluating the child’s best interests by investigating relevant facts and presenting findings and recommendations in a structured way. The court may use the GAL process when the case has become too complex to resolve based solely on certifications and argument, or when the court believes neutral, child-focused fact-gathering will lead to a safer and more durable parenting plan.

For many parents, the most important practical question is whether the appointment will help create stability and lead to a result which serves the best interest of their child. A GAL is often appointed when the court sees recurring conflict about parenting time, significant disagreement about the child’s needs, or concerns that the current arrangement is not working in real life even if it looks acceptable on paper. In some matters, the court may be trying to avoid repeated “crisis motions” by creating a clearer record and guiding the parties toward a structured outcome.

For spouses who have made the decision to divorce, the emotional toll placed on them and their children can be quite challenging. One of the most consequential matters that must be decided will be how both parents address raising their children once they have separated. Common parenting issues include visitation and custody arrangements, differing parenting styles, discipline, education and the introduction of new parental relationships. Navigating these issues either during the divorce process or in the months and years after can be daunting and not easily remedied. These issues often require careful management and, in some cases, professional support, to ensure that the best interests of the children are prioritized.

For individuals who find it impossible to resolve disputes regarding their children amongst themselves, or for those who cannot effectively co-parent and work together to ensure their children’s best interests are met, the appointment of a parenting coordinator may prove to be a helpful tool.

Parenting coordinators are neutral third parties, typically attorneys, appointed by the court to assist parents in implementing agreed upon or court-ordered parenting plans and navigate issues that arise in the day to day life of raising a child. The appointment of a parenting coordinator can prove to be especially important in high conflict scenarios when the disdain toward a former spouse may cloud each party’s ability to do what is best for their children.

Co-parenting can be a challenging but rewarding journey for both parents and children. Whether you’re co-parenting after a divorce, separation, or just sharing the responsibility of raising a child, it’s essential to establish a healthy co-parenting relationship to ensure the well-being of your child.

Five Tips for Successful Co-Parenting: 

Communication is Key