In our previous post, we began discussing the importance of communication between parties during and after a divorce in order to make for a smoother transition. One area where this is particularly important is in setting up a parenting plan for minor children. Oftentimes parenting plans fail, whether they have been set up by a judge or by the couple themselves.

One of the goals of the Domestic Relations Services Unit of the St. Louis County Family Court is to facilitate communication between divorcing parties so that parenting plans don't fall apart later on. The purpose of the Domestic Relations Unit is to review parenting plans and determine whether there may be problems down the line. They also track some cases to make sure the children are being served by the plan.

The Domestic Relations Services Unit looks closely at parenting plans and raises red flags about potential emotionally-laden aspects of the plan, ensures that the decisions made are not motivated by spite or the desire to control. In looking for all these things, the unit seeks to prevent future conflict over the parenting plan, which will also help couples avoid unnecessary expenses later on.

The Domestic Relations Unit also has the task of watching out for potential abuse. State law does not give children the chance to voice their opinion about where they wish to live, but the Domestic Relations Services Unit also gives children that opportunity and facilitates communication between children and parents regarding living arrangements.

Even though Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, it is not often where a divorce isn't at least somewhat contentious. There will almost always be hard feelings between partners to one extent or another. But getting over the emotionally charged aspects of divorce is critical for setting up a successful parenting plan and reducing costs associated with the divorce and managing the effects of a poorly established plan. The Domestic Relations Services Unit has the goal of facilitating that process.

Source: St. Louis Today, "Judge says parents must talk before, even more after, divorce," Janice Denham, August 30, 2011.