When parents divorce or separate, they frequently share custody of their children. Both parents have a certain amount of time with the children. They typically also share the authority to make decisions about their upbringing.
The state imposes numerous responsibilities on parents who share custody. Reaching an agreement on major decisions before taking action is typically necessary. So is consistent adherence to the schedule for parenting time. To effectively parent minor children, adults need to understand their circumstances. It is therefore critical for parents who share custody to regularly communicate with one another about their children.
The law requires information sharing
Some parents use passive-aggressive tactics to undermine each other when they share custody. Withholding information to make one parent seem incompetent or prevent them from showing up to important events is a frustrating but relatively common practice.
Texas state law has rules in place to prevent such situations from spiraling out of control. Generally speaking, parents have an obligation to share relevant information about their children with one another.
A parent who learns that a student is failing a class needs to share that with the other parent. They also need to share information about relevant medical issues, ranging from physical injuries and illnesses to mental health concerns. Any significant changes in their social relationships or their extracurricular activities usually also require disclosure as well.
Sharing information facilitates better parenting
Parents need to know about their children’s circumstances to make informed, appropriate decisions. They also need to be aware of their interests and activities if they want to encourage and participate in those activities.
Many parents who share custody use parenting apps that record their communication and keep all relevant details in a centralized location. That way, the parents can prove that they have complied with the law and can reference when and how they shared information with one another.
In some cases, one parent withholding information from the other could damage their bond with the children or even influence how the courts view them when allocating parental rights and responsibilities. Parents can push back against misconduct, including the withholding of important information.
Showing that a parent has failed to uphold the responsibilities of responsible adults who share custody could help the other parent demand accountability or convince the courts that a custody modification may be necessary. Parents frustrated by a lack of communication or information sharing may need to discuss the matter with a skilled legal team to see what options could help them resolve the issue.