By Jake Hornstein & Greg Hill, Our Children Have Rights
Shared parental responsibility means a court-ordered relationship in which both parents retain full parental rights and responsibilities with respect to their child. The expectation is that co-parents will confer with each other, and major decisions affecting the child’s wellbeing are determined jointly.
It’s important for co-parents to keep each other informed about the child’s medical & healthcare situations. Here are examples of what should be shared:
- The child’s medical history, including any relevant, recent or anticipated changes
- Contact information of doctors & medical care providers
- Contact information & details for scheduled appointments and office visits
- Changes in the child’s health status
- Medications the child is currently taking
- Changes in prescriptions, dosages or directions
- Healthcare provider suggestions regarding interventions, immunizations or procedures
- All emergency contacts and instructions
Co-parents can more easily navigate the intricacies of medical decision-making by communicating effectively. Clear and concise communication will avoid misunderstandings, future disputes, and keep co-parents in sync.
STRATEGIES TO RESOLVE DISAGREEMENTS
- Coordinate time to review the child’s health and medical care.
- Determine the most effective communication method for your relationship, and use that (text messaging, shared calendars, co-parenting apps or email).
- Open communication: Keep the lines of communication open. Maintain a shared understanding of medical conditions and needs.
- Consider a mediator: Struggling to find a compromise? Consider a mediator to facilitate discussions and help find an agreeable solution.
Keeping each other informed and communicating effectively will help avoid destructive disputes. Above all, it ensures the child receives the best possible health care and medical treatments.
OCHR is a 501c3 nonprofit that helps parents achieve successful custody outcomes and develop sustainable co-parenting strategies, at no cost to the family.
We’re on a mission… A mission to protect the rights of children to have access to both accountable parents by providing education, resources, and support services for successful co-parenting. Why? Because Our Children Have Rights. Contact Jake at JakeHornstein@OurChildrenHaveRights.com or visit ochr.org