The number of communication tools available in today’s technologically advanced society has increased exponentially. The University of Missouri has released a study that explores how the many communication options available to parents who are ex-partners affect the parent-child relationship.
The study reports on the frequency, quality and content of email, text, phone and chat communications among 42 divorced families and how these tools contribute to or detract from the quality of the parent-child relationship. In general the study showed that the use of these methodologies varied widely, depending on the level of hostility between the parents.
Among parents who reported an amicable relationship with their ex-spouse, parents used all forms of communication to:
- Arrange visitation
- Share parenting ideas
- Report life events
- Enhance workings of both households
Parents who felt more hostile toward the ex-spouse reported that the low-contact methods such as email and text enabled them to communicate without any emotional fallout. Messages were limited to communicating technical content, like:
- Scheduling changes
- Child’s appointments
- Written records of verbal agreements
In every case, parents used technological tools to document agreements and maintain records of conversations regarding the child’s schedule, whereabouts and welfare. All parents agreed that the advantage of communicating via tools that enable parents to control personal information and maintain boundaries proved helpful, and in some cases allowed a greater flow of information regarding shared parenting.
If you are separating or divorcing, speak to a child custody attorney about communicating with your ex. Your attorney can help you employ the many tools available to today’s parents. Call the Buffalo, NY Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis at 716.886.9600 or contact us online.
As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.
Alexandra M. Rockwood is a Senior Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates and has been with the firm since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as…
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5.0/5.0Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...
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5.0/5.0
Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...
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5.0/5.0
Randy is very firm and effective in court while empathetic to his clients. I am a domestic violence victim, and Randy made me feel safe and protected. My financial award was more than I envisioned it to be when I started my divorce. I can't thank ...
