It is always a difficult process to end a relationship with a controlling person. Many people have resorted to giving in to almost every demand during their relationship in order to avoid fights and causing scenes.
However, if you have children, ending the romantic relationship does not necessarily end your contact with your ex – you still need to co parent your child(ren) together.
One of the hardest things about co parenting with a controlling ex after your break up can be setting boundaries.
Unfortunately, if you are used to avoiding conflict by allowing your ex to make their own rules, your ex will attempt to continue this pattern of behavior in order to continue to control you and without any regard for what is best for the child(ren).
They care about winning.
In order to co parent with this type of ex, clear boundaries must be set and, more importantly, enforced.
This can be done with a detailed parenting plan with exact rules about exchange times, holidays, phone calls, etc.
At first, your ex may likely increase their controlling behavior, because in the past you were willing to allow them to have their way. This can be stressful but remember, you are attempting to break an established pattern of behavior.
Once your ex realizes they can no longer set the rules, some may back down, some may not. If your ex refuses to stop pushing boundaries, and co parenting doesn’t work, then judicial action may be required.
A detailed co parenting plan sets clear boundaries that makes it easier for the court to enforce the rules using contempt because both parties are on notice of exactly what should happen in most situations.
Parenting with this type of ex will never be easy, but with time and clear rules, it can become less stressful.
If you are having problems with enforcing your parenting plan, contact Men’s Rights Law Firm today at 239-829-0166 for a consultation.
