Relationships can suffer greatly throughout the process of a divorce. Obviously, there has already been a breakdown of the original relationship, and while navigating through the court process of the dissolution, happy feelings commonly deteriorate even further. In cases involving children, emotions are likely to be even more strained. Many people have issues with how the other spouse is caring for their child(ren), or maybe with the people they are exposing their children to. Any number of problems can arise when something so important as people’s children are involved – especially when having to deal with one another face to face.
One solution that many are using to get around these testy interactions is technology. The New York Times recently ran an article addressing this. Couples, or rather, former couples are using texting, electronic calendars and email to communicate more than ever before. Communicating electronically can help calm strained relationships by eliminating awkward or even angry run-ins with former spouses or significant others.
However, as the article points out, communicating electronically can also cause problems. Tone and meaning can be lost when communicating by text or email. Statements made in a joking or lighthearted manner may become mean-spirited and nasty if read in the wrong light.
Clearly, both positive and negative aspects can result from this new and increased use of technology. Do you think it should be integrated even more into custody agreements? Do you think parents should be able to set these communications up on their own, or should they be monitored closely by courts? Is this a positive or negative development?