Co-Parenting After Divorce
How to parent together when you’re no longer together
Eduardo Florez, LMHC #MH23066 · October 7, 2026 · 4-min read
Part of The ShieldMee Guide: Family & Parenting →
“Every handoff turns into a fight.”
“I can’t even text my ex without my heart pounding.”
“My kids are stuck in the middle.”
“We were married for years. Now we can’t agree on bedtime.”
Divorce ends a marriage. It doesn’t end your family.
If you share kids, you’ll be working with your ex for years. Co-parenting counseling helps make that bearable, and sometimes even good.
Safety first
If your ex has hurt, threatened, stalked or controlled you, joint sessions may not be safe. Your safety plan, and the court, come first.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, free and 24/7. They can help with safety planning around exchanges and contact.
If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911.
What co-parenting counseling is
It’s not couples therapy. We’re not trying to save the marriage.
It’s focused, practical work between two parents. The goal is less conflict, clearer agreements and kids who feel safe in both homes.
- How you communicate: texts, email, co-parenting apps, handoffs
- Schedules, holidays and changes to the plan
- Rules that differ between homes
- New partners and stepfamilies
- Keeping kids out of adult conflict
- Handling the grief and anger that make all of this harder
What kids need most
Research on divorce is consistent: ongoing conflict between parents hurts children more than the divorce itself.
Kids do better when they don’t have to carry messages, pick sides or hide their love for the other parent.
You don’t have to like your ex. You just have to stop letting the conflict land on your kids.
Want handoffs without the fight?
Use your insurance · see your cost before you book
Your new relationships
New partners can bring relief. They can also stir up jealousy, loyalty conflicts and confusion for the kids.
If you’re remarried or dating, we can also work with you and your new partner on stepfamily life: roles, discipline and how to support each other without stepping on the other parent.
How I work
I work with the adults. I don’t see children in therapy, because my practice is adults only.
I pay close attention to the language between you. “You always.” “Your mother lets them…” Those phrases show where the old marriage is still running the new arrangement.
Sessions can include both parents together, or each parent separately, depending on what’s safe and useful.
In Florida, divorcing parents with minor children are generally required to complete a parent education and family stabilization course. That’s a separate course, not this counseling.
If a court ordered counseling, see my court-ordered therapy page and check what your order requires.
You might recognize yourself here
- Most of your communication with your ex turns into a fight.
- Your kids pass messages between you.
- You dread handoffs.
- You and your ex disagree on rules, and the kids notice.
- A new partner is creating tension.
- You’re still so hurt or angry it’s hard to think straight.
Who this work is for
- Separated or divorced parents in Florida
- Parents working out a new parenting plan
- Remarried couples and stepfamilies
- Spanish-speaking or bilingual parents
One parent can start, even if the other isn’t ready.
Who this isn’t for
I work with adults. If you are under 18, this page is not describing services for you.
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If there is violence, threats or control between you and your ex, joint sessions aren’t the right first step. Start with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
I don’t do custody evaluations. If you need one, ask your attorney.
Sessions must take place while you are physically located in Florida.
Start with the next handoff
You don’t have to fix everything at once.
You can start with one sentence:
“I want my kids out of the middle.”
We can start there.
In-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare and more through Headway · 53-minute sessions
Telehealth anywhere in Florida · English / Español
In crisis? Call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to be in the same session?
No. Some co-parents meet together. Others start separately. We decide based on what’s safe and helpful.
Will you take sides or report to the court?
No sides. I don’t do custody evaluations. If you need something for court, talk to your attorney about what’s required.
Can you see my children?
No. My practice is adults only. I can help you find a child or family therapist if your kids need their own support.
Do you offer therapy in Spanish?
Yes. Sessions can be in Spanish, English, or both.
How much does therapy cost?
It depends on your insurance plan. Most clients pay a copay or coinsurance. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. I’m in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and other plans through Headway. Check your coverage and book on my Headway page.
When can I start?
Appointments are generally available the next day or within the same week, every day except Saturday.
Eduardo Florez, LMHC
Eduardo Florez, LMHC, has worked across forensic, institutional and private practice settings. He is the founder and clinical director of ShieldMee, a Florida nonprofit telehealth practice, and works bilingually with couples in crisis and clients for whom therapy hasn’t worked before.
Related reading: Court-Ordered Therapy · When Anger Takes Over · How Childhood Shows Up in Your Relationships
Ready to talk to someone?
ShieldMee offers telehealth therapy across Florida for individuals, couples, and families. Insurance accepted through Headway.
Start TherapyIf you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time.