Prompt #73Return to Work
Prompt 73: The Co-Parent or Single Parent Plan
When to use it
You're navigating separation, divorce, or solo parenthood and need a real plan for the practical, financial, and emotional realities.
The Prompt
I'm navigating [SEPARATION / DIVORCE / SOLO PARENTHOOD]. I need a real plan, not 'it'll be OK.'
My situation:
- Status: [E.G., "we're separating, not yet legal" / "divorce is filed" / "we're already co-parenting" / "I'm a single parent by choice" / "my partner passed"]
- Baby/child age: [E.G., "8 months" / "3 years" / "6 years"]
- Custody arrangement: [E.G., "we're figuring it out" / "50/50" / "primary me" / "primary partner" / "TBD"]
- Finances: [E.G., "I'm dependent on partner" / "we have joint accounts" / "I'm fine financially" / "I'm struggling"]
- Support: [E.G., "I have family nearby" / "I'm alone" / "I have friends" / "no support"]
- Emotional state: [E.G., "devastated" / "relieved" / "scared" / "angry" / "ambivalent"]
Please give me:
1. The legal first steps (consultation, custody, support)
2. The financial plan (separate accounts, support, child support calculation)
3. The custody conversation framework (with a co-parent)
4. The 'I have to be the only parent' plan
5. The 5 things to document now
6. How to talk to your child (age-appropriate)
7. The 'single mom burnout' framework (because it's real)
8. The 'navigator' question — should you get a lawyer, mediator, therapist?
9. The dating-after-separation question (and how to think about it)
10. The 'this isn't what I planned' grief (and how to grieve well)
Important: I want a real plan, not just to get through today.Example output
*"Legal first steps: 1 consultation with a family law attorney (many offer free initial consult). Learn about custody options in your state. Financial plan: separate bank accounts, credit in your own name, get copies of all financial documents, calculate child support using your state's formula. Custody framework: 'Our kid(s) come first. The schedule should be predictable and minimize transitions.' Document: finances, communication with co-parent (app like OurFamilyWizard), schedules, expenses. Talk to your child: age-appropriate honesty (under 5: 'Mommy and Daddy live in different houses now, but we both love you'). Single parent burnout: it's real, plan for it (respite care, support network, therapist). Navigator: lawyer for legal, mediator for custody, therapist for you."*
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