Following a divorce, it is normal not to want to have much contact with your ex. If you and your former spouse are prone to fighting, it can make your ability to co-parent more difficult. However, there are ways that you can try to work together for the sake of your children.
Co-parenting requires you to continue to work with your ex, particularly when it comes to expenses.
Create a system that works for both parents
If you want a financial system that works for both of you, you must devise a system in advance. Sometimes, you may want to talk through a mediator or the court if you have trouble settling extra expenses. Determine which expenses think each of you should pay. For example, if you care a lot about sports and your former spouse cares about music, you might pay for sports-related costs and he or she may pay for music-related expenses.
Consider your and your former spouse’s current income when creating a system. If one of you makes more money than the other, then you should consider the person with the highest income to be the person who should pay more of the extraordinary expenses. Fair spending does not always mean equal spending.
Find ways to communicate about money
If you want to split expenses, you have to be willing to communicate with one another. Some exes find it easier to stay amicable through text messaging or e-mail. When you text or e-mail, you can save messages to recall them later, so you do not risk misunderstandings with one another.
Regarding communication, you should find a way to speak where the two of you can remain amicable.
