Category: Ex-etiquette

Q. My ex-wife (from my second marriage) and I raised my son together for 5 years. We split up 2 years ago, but she is still in my son’s life and spends a few hours with him every week.

Q. I have noticed in other columns that you have suggested that parents should be the only ones attending 504 special ed meetings for their children. Bonus parents should not attend.

Q. I served our country, had some serious things happen to me and just could not see through to the other side for years. I did not want to return home and met someone else.

A. I answer this question for grandparents the same way I answer it for parents.

Q. When he walked into work, I noticed he was wearing a wedding ring. He had an early Zoom meeting and went directly into his office. When the meeting was over and he came out, we chatted for a while, and I noticed he was no longer wearing the ring. He just told me he loved me last night! Is there any other explanation other than he is married? I can’t think of one. What is good ex-etiquette?

Q. My brother is angry with me because I am best friends with his now ex-wife, Samantha. He expects me to abandon a 12-year friendship because they broke up. I haven’t taken sides. I see both of their points of view!

Q. My son’s fiancee left 18 months ago, taking their two young children with her. The relationship had a number of struggles including immaturity, mental health and his drinking issues.

Q. My child’s father never returns my phone calls or texts. I wait for hours, sometimes days, for a reply and one never comes.

Q. I often hear, “Set clear boundaries” when co-parenting, but my co-parent just does what he wants and I am left frustrated and angry because he doesn’t listen to me.