Gwyneth Paltrow brought the term “Conscious Uncoupling” into American’s daily vocabulary and was discussed in my earlier blog. Out of the “Conscious Uncoupling” discussions, the concept of “Conscious Co-Parenting” is also being debated. Neither one of these terms are anything new when it comes to divorces in Texas. For years courts have been advocating for children and the damage that can be caused when there is high-conflict between parents.

The Blog on the Today Show website discusses whether conscious co-parenting is even attainable. Striving to be friends with your ex and working together for the best interest of your children is an admirable goal. However, there are many hurdles to overcome when doing so. First of all, when two people divorce, there is a reason why the marriage ended and those reasons do not magically go away when a divorce is granted.

Communication issues are a prevalent reason for marriages to end. Those communication issues only grow post-divorce. In the Today Show Blog, a divorce parent recommends her personal rule as it pertains to communications with her ex-husband: “Wait to respond to non-emergency texts or calls, anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours.” This suggestion enables you to calm down and respond reasonably when things may get heated.

Conscious co-parenting is attainable. There are many sacrifices that both parents must make but in the end, it is what is best for the children.
 

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Photo of Michelle O'Neil Michelle O'Neil

Michelle May O’Neil has 30+ years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Described by one lawyer as “a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty”, Ms. O’Neil exudes…

Michelle May O’Neil has 30+ years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Described by one lawyer as “a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty”, Ms. O’Neil exudes genuine compassion for her client’s difficulties, yet she can be relentless when in pursuit of a client’s goals. One judge said of Ms. O’Neil, “She cannot be out-gunned, out-briefed, or out-lawyered!”

Family Law Specialist

Ms. O’Neil became a board-certified family law specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 1997 and has maintained her certification since that time. While representing clients in litigation before the trial court is an important part of her practice, Ms. O’Neil also handles appellate matters in the trial court, courts of appeals and Texas Supreme Court. Lawyers frequently consult with Ms. O’Neil on their litigation cases about specialized legal issues requiring particularized attention both at the trial court and appellate levels. This gives her a unique perspective and depth of perception that benefits both her litigation and appellate clients.

Top Lawyers in Texas and America

Ms. O’Neil has been named to the list of Texas SuperLawyers for many years, a peer-voted honor given to only about 5% of the lawyers in the state of Texas. Ms. O’Neil received the special honor of being named by Texas SuperLawyers as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Texas, Top 100 Lawyers in Texas, and Top 100 Lawyers in DFW for multiple years. She was named one of the Best Lawyers in America and received an “A-V” peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directories for the highest quality legal ability and ethical standards.

Author and Speaker

A noted author, Ms. O’Neil released her second book Basics of Texas Divorce Law in November 2010, with a second edition released in 2013, and a third edition expected in 2015.  Her first book, All About Texas Law and Kids, was published in September 2009 by Texas Lawyer Press. In 2012, Ms. O’Neil co-authored the booklets What You Need To Know About Common Law Marriage In Texas and Social Study Evaluations.  The State Bar of Texas and other providers of continuing education for attorneys frequently enlist Ms. O’Neil to provide instruction to attorneys on topics of her expertise in the family law arena.