After a divorce, it can be difficult to balance work and parenting

By LegalMatters Staff • The parenting plan you and your ex reach after a divorce or separation will set out your rights and responsibilities. But a complicating factor can be your job, since meeting the obligations of your workplace may interfere with the time you spend at home.

It is often difficult to strike the right balance between the obligations in your parenting plan and work, but Edmonton family lawyer Emily Gore has some advice.

“Many workplaces make special arrangements for working parents,” she says. “They understand that a good work/life balance leads to greater productivity and a more positive work culture. They also know that parents are good at multitasking and time management, so many workplaces will go out of their way to allow you to find the right balance.”

Gore suggests you ask about your company’s policies concerning sick time and parental leave.

“Many employers offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, flextime, or compressed workweeks,” she says. “Find the schedule that accommodates your parenting needs while fulfilling your work responsibilities.”

Spending long hours in the office or travelling extensively on business trips may not be a viable option for a divorced or separated parent, Gore says.

“You may have to accept a transfer to another position or cut down on the hours you devote to your job,” she says.

Gore advises parents to commit to a policy of not answering emails or calls after a certain hour when they are at home.

“As a newly single parent, it is essential that you plan and coordinate your personal and work calendars,” she says. “Children need to go to the dentist and to other appointments that invariably fall within the workday. With advance planning, you can minimize any conflicts that arise.”

Gore also urges single parents to not be shy about asking for help.

“Family members or neighbours are often willing to step in and help with babysitting or driving children to appointments,” she says. “Consider joining a local parenting group where you will meet other adults in similar situations to yours. As friendships develop, so do opportunities to trade off or share in childcare responsibilities, such as picking up children after school.”