If your marriage has been difficult due to some of your spouse’s personality traits then it would be foolish to expect co-parenting after your divorce to be a breeze.
Here are a few ways you can try to make things easier for yourself:
Use electronic communication
There are many ways to communicate with someone that do not require you to come face-to-face with them. The oldest one is a simple phone call, but the problem is that there is no record of your conversation. Messaging and email give you a record of what you discussed. That can prevent your ex from trying to gaslight you and pretend they never said something they did. The fact there will be a record may also encourage them to show restraint.
If you have to meet do so in a safe space
If you need to drop your kids off to your ex, doing so in front of a host of other parents outside the school gates, or at a cafe where others are present may be better than doing it at either house. Firstly, these are neutral spaces, and secondly, there are others present.
Use intermediaries
Sometimes the best tactic for handovers and the like is to have someone else step in. Perhaps your dad could drop the kids off at your ex’s to avoid you having to meet them.
If you are about to divorce a manipulative spouse, it is wise to learn more about the legal options for creating a safer and more pleasant future.