When parents stop working together, the first casualty is never the legal case — it’s the child. Every ignored message, every sarcastic text, every tug-of-war over pick-up times chips away at the peace your son or daughter deserves. You don’t have to like your co-parent — but you must learn to function with them.
At Hawk Law, we teach clients that co-parenting isn’t a feeling, it’s a system. The 3-Step Communication Protocol is simple, effective, and powerful in and out of court:
- Diplomatic Identification of the Problem. Describe the issue calmly, factually, and without blame. (“Hank has a doctor’s appointment next Wednesday at 3 p.m. during your time.”)
- Propose One or More Solutions. Offer workable paths forward. (“Would you prefer to attend together, or should I take him and share the notes afterward?”)
- Ask for Feedback. End with an invitation, not a demand. (“Let me know what works best for you by Monday so we can confirm.”)
This approach does more than defuse conflict — it builds a written record of reasonableness. Judges notice parents who are proactive, polite, and child-focused. And just as important, it saves you from endless attorney emails, legal fees, and stress.
Co-parenting doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be functional. Using these three steps turns chaos into communication — and prepares you, just in case, for the day a judge reads those messages in open court.
🦅 Hawk Law Firm, PLLC
Family Law. Custody. Courage.