Managing parenting responsibilities during a divorce can be challenging, particularly for high-level executives like CEOs or those in demanding roles. Balancing demanding work schedules with parenting time might seem almost impossible. However, there are strategies to help create a parenting time schedule that maximizes involvement and ensures both parents participate in decision-making for their children. Importantly, having a demanding job should not mean spending less time with children. Let’s discuss effective strategies for co-parenting for executives and demanding job roles.
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Stay Engaged and Invested
First, although an executive has a busy schedule, they should try their best to stay active and invested in their children’s lives. If they are already doing that, great. If not, they need to start. Courts often consider parenting behavior throughout the marriage or relationship. This is set by the time a dissolution of marriage case starts. However, they can work on improving their current and future parenting. They should attend as many games, practices, events, school meetings, and doctor appointments as possible. Demonstrating interest and having a plan to balance parenting time with work schedules will go a long way toward finding a resolution.
Get Creative with Scheduling
The key to drafting a parenting time schedule, or child custody and parenting agreement, for parents with demanding work schedules is to get creative. The schedule likely won’t resemble “normal” schedules for two 9-to-5 working parents. Instead, it should take advantage of the executive’s available time and maximize that time in the best interest of the children.
Executives can sometimes have more autonomy over their schedules than regular employees. As the highest-level executive at the company, they can set their own schedule. If that is the case, setting a parenting time schedule should be easier with more flexibility built in. Flexibility on both sides is crucial in navigating an agreement. Even if the executive spouse spends less time with the children, they provide much of the financial support. That parent should not be punished by having less time with the children or less say in their decisions because they are the top income earner for the family.
Review Our Guide to ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Use Co-Parenting Tools
For co-parenting, since one or both executive parents have busy schedules that can change daily, one of the best tools to assist in planning is a program like Our Family Wizard. This downloadable app allows communication with the other parent and includes a calendar feature. The calendar provides a shared space for all events, important dates, and reminders for the children.
Parents can also use the calendar to include their work events and schedules, helping the other parent stay informed for co-parenting purposes. This program requires a yearly fee. If parents prefer a different tool to share their schedules and the children’s schedules, a shared Google calendar is also a viable, free option.
Maintain Privacy
There is also the issue of privacy to consider during the divorce or parentage case when a CEO or high-level executive is involved. High profile divorces put pressure on the individual going through the divorce because they know that, potentially, the media, business partners, and advisors will all have their opinions and, perhaps, unsolicited advice. In most counties, all divorces that are filed are public and can be looked up online or documents reviewed at the courthouse. So, the public can find out about the existence of the divorce case, no matter how much you work to keep things private.
To limit any further public knowledge, both parents should watch what they post on social media and discuss only with those involved in the case. Attorneys keep information confidential, but others with knowledge of the case might reveal details. Executives should also be mindful of their actions in public and avoid sending inflammatory emails or texts to their spouse. Keeping communications civil and behavior in check helps maintain privacy.
Co-parenting With Balance and Harmony
Balancing a demanding executive career with parenting time during a divorce is challenging but achievable. By staying engaged, getting creative with scheduling, utilizing co-parenting tools, and maintaining privacy, high-level executives can successfully co-parent and remain active in their children’s lives.
For personalized legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, contact Anderson Boback & Marshall today. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you navigate the complexities of family law.
