Attorney
Walk into any bookstore and you’ll find entire shelves devoted to how to run a business, lead a team, or improve your life. Some swear by structure and routine. Others say creativity and intuition win the day. The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy to finding success in any part of your life… including co-parenting.
If you and your ex are committed to raising your children well, you’re already ahead of the game. And just like in business, successful co-parenting doesn’t rely on following one fixed formula. Doing what’s right means finding the approach that fits your family’s structure, personalities, and values.
All that being said, if you are looking for some inspiration, here are a few well-regarded strategies Attorney Bob Matteucci has helped many successful families in the Albuquerque area attempt to draft into their child custody agreements and co-parenting plans.
The Business-Style Co-Parenting Approach
This is a favorite among professionals who are used to leading teams or managing schedules.
The concept: Treat co-parenting like a shared business venture. You don’t have to be emotionally close, but you do need good communication, regular check-ins, and shared goals (i.e., raising healthy, happy kids).
Tactics that work:
- Use a shared calendar app (like Google Calendar)
- Agree on “meeting” times to discuss school, activities, or scheduling changes
- Stick to agreements, respect boundaries, and keep conversations focused on logistics
Best for: Exes who are not especially close but want a clean, low-conflict system.
The Parallel Parenting Model
In situations where communication tends to lead to tension, this model minimizes interaction and keeps parenting responsibilities separate.
The concept: You each parent in your own way when the kids are with you. Big decisions (education, medical, etc.) are still made together because you have joint legal custody, but daily routines stay independent.
Tactics that work:
- Establish clear parenting time boundaries
- Put agreements in writing to avoid miscommunication
- Use email or parenting apps for essential updates only
Best for: Exes with different parenting styles or histories of conflict, but mutual respect.
The Cooperative Co-Parenting Style
Some families choose to stay more integrated—coordinating schedules, attending events together, or even sharing meals or vacations for the kids’ sake.
The concept: You remain a visible team, despite no longer being a couple. You present a united front to your children and keep traditions alive where possible.
Tactics that work:
- Flexible scheduling
- Open communication and shared family time
- Willingness to compromise and adapt over time
Best for: Exes with a strong foundation of trust and mutual support.
Custom-Tailored Parenting Plans
High-income families often need creative solutions due to travel schedules, business responsibilities, and children who are used to a certain style of living.
Tactics that work:
- Parenting schedules that flex around work calendars, travel, or unpredictable events
- Agreements about tutors, private school, or extracurricular commitments
- Delegating tasks to a parenting coordinator or family assistant
Best for: Parents with unpredictable schedules or kids with demanding routines.
Serving Families with Dignity & Compassion
There’s no “right” way to co-parent. Just like leadership, entrepreneurship, or self-improvement, it’s about figuring out what works for the people, personalities, and circumstances you are dealt. At the end of the day, what matters most is that your child feels safe, loved, and supported.
If you need help crafting a co-parenting plan that reflects your reality, Attorney Bob Matteucci can help you flesh out your goals, think about the future, and turn those thoughts into a legal document your family can rely on for years to come. Please contact Bob today to schedule a meeting.