"The truth is, the way we choose to co-parent will shape our children's healing and their ability to navigate relationships in the future. For any parent facing this journey, this book is a powerful reminder that our children's hearts deserve the greatest care, even when our own are breaking.--JAIME KING, mother, filmmaker, activist

"I will be recommending this book to many of my consultation clients."--BILL EDDY, LCSW, JD, family therapist, lawyer, mediator, and co-author of BIFF for CoParent Communication, developer of the New Ways for Families(R) parent skills
training method, and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute.

In Co-parenting by Design, family law experts Annette Burns and Nicole Siqueiros-Stoutner help divorced or separated parents agree on a plan that reduces conflict over the parenting schedule, holidays, vacations, medical decisions, education, and safety, and equips readers to deal with special situations like parental alienation and substance abuse.

It's stressful to be a divorced or separated parent. You may feel that you're constantly being scrutinized by your co-parent and by the court system. You are expected to be superhuman: to forgive and forget, to be endlessly patient, to be a perfect parent, and to be calm and gracious no matter what. If you feel overwhelmed, you're not alone.

In Co-parenting by Design, Annette Burns and Nicole Siqueiros-Stoutner offer their combined sixty-plus years of experience in family law to help you let go of these unrealistic expectations and successfully navigate the challenges of parenting after divorce or separation. With customizable sample language you can incorporate in your own document, this book makes it easy to draw up a thorough and effective parenting plan or evaluate a plan provided by a parenting coordinator or other court official.

You'll learn how to:

• come to an agreement about the parenting schedule, holidays, and vacations

• address medical decisions, education, safety, your child's possessions, and more

• deal with challenging situations like parental alienation, domestic violence, or your co-parent's substance abuse

• disengage from conflict

• communicate effectively

• reduce stress

• increase your child's sense of security by conveying solidarity

• protect your child's well-being

With a complete parenting plan in place, you'll be prepared manage everyday routines and handle the unexpected. Co-parenting by Design helps you overcome conflict and get back to what matters most: enjoying stress-free time with your child.