The pandemic put a lot of things into perspective for CNN journalist Van Jones, including his desire to have another child. Though he is a divorced father of two, Jones discovered that a platonic friend also wanted a child. The two decided to have a child together and become conscious co-parents. It’s not such a farfetched idea for people who prioritize family over marriage. In fact, co-parenting could be one route to avoiding divorce.
The Platonic Couple with a Family
Jones isn’t the only CNN celeb to embrace the co-parenting concept. Journalist Anderson Cooper welcomed his first son, Wyatt, by surrogate, then shortly thereafter announced that he will be co-parenting the child with his former partner Benjamin Maisani, who is in the process of adopting the child. When the pair’s second son, Sebastian, was born last month, Cooper made the announcement on his show, giving the boy’s name which includes the hyphenated last name of Maisani-Cooper.
Cooper explained to People magazine that he and Maisani are co-parenting together as a family. “It’s awesome. It’s probably an unusual setup, but I knew he would be a great dad, and he is. We’re exes, but we’re family to each other, and we love each other as family and as co-parents.”
The Road to Successful Co-Parenting
Of course, anyone who wants a child, who has a child on their own, or who is divorced with kids will have questions about this unorthodox setup. Do you live together? Do you share parenting time? Are you solo parenting more than you’re parenting together? All valid questions that need to be answered before entering into any sort of co-parenting agreement.
Platonic co-parenting with a non-romantic partner has gotten more attention in recent years. From the sounds of things, this set-up can be whatever you want it to be.
- Some singles reach an age where they’re tired of waiting for the right romantic partner and want children more than a relationship.
- Some co-partners turn to a lifelong friend with the same parenting goals.
- Others pay for online services to find a compatible partner to co-parent with and who has similar values about raising children.
Can Platonic Co-Parenting Really Work?
People who decide to co-parent with someone else must protect themselves legally in all ways before a child is even conceived, including legalizing paternity. Having a child with a co-parent may involve surrogacy, adoption, IVF, or other fertility methods, all of which come with added costs and complications.
It is essential to develop effective methods of communication, be on the same page about goals, and share values, including major decisions about healthcare, education, and religion before you bring a real, life child into the mix.
Consult with a family law attorney if you are thinking about co-parenting so you know what your rights are, your partner’s rights, and to ensure that your child will be raised the way you want. Contact Michigan Divorce Help to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more.