Conversations with your co-parent aren’t easy when they’re acting a fool, but if Helen Keller found at least four different ways to communicate, so can you. Don’t worry, no one is asking you to hash parenting details out over brunch or a long phone call if the relationship isn’t amicable. In this day and age, there are a variety of ways to converse with your co-parent that are easy, practical, and judge-approved. Yes, it’s convenient to pick up the phone, but how often do your calls end in anger and/or tears? Any family law attorney will tell you that phone calls can go south fast, with no record of what was said. Even if you and your ex pass the vibe check, it’s still important to find out what form of communication works best in certain situations. Would an attorney recommend regularly texting your co-parent about the kids? How often should you touch base with a phone call? Here are five commonly used forms of communication (and how to effectively use them).

The road to divorce can be long and full of lonely times, but moving in with someone following a separation is never a good idea. Why? You might not like this answer, but impressions matter, particularly when you’re in the process of getting a divorce. Even if you and your “roommate” keep things strictly platonic, it still creates the impression that there could have been a relationship prior to the marriage coming to a halt (this is even more likely if you move in directly after you and your spouse separated).

Have you ever driven somewhere and then wondered how you got there? Did you yield to oncoming traffic? Did you use your turn signal? WERE THOSE LIGHTS EVEN GREEN?!