While sharing your finances may end when you divorce, you may still have to make financial decisions together if you have children. Unfortunately, many couples have difficulty discussing their finances during a tumultuous marriage, much less following the divorce.
If you have a co-parenting plan with your former spouse, there are ways to make the adjustment easier for you and your children.
Choose respect and communication
Be a professional when it comes to communicating with your ex. If you treat your relationship like a business arrangement, it will be easier for you to put your feelings aside and focus on the best interests of your kids. Try to be respectful, even when you are not in communication. Your kids are less likely to pick up those negative feelings when you do not talk badly about one another. Likewise, you may have an easier time focusing on the positive elements of your parenting rather than the negative aspects of your relationship.
Stay consistent in your parenting decisions
Try to stick to your parenting plan as much as possible. Many couples choose to determine how to share financial responsibilities within the parenting plan. For example, you may determine that you pay for extracurriculars you are passionate about whereas your spouse pays for those he or she cares more about. When you are consistent about who pays for what, you are less likely to have arguments involving money.
If it is difficult to speak to one another, choose text or email communication. Text communication allows you to think about what you want to say and how to respond to your ex.