Divorce and custody arrangements are never easy, especially when emotions are running high. Unfortunately, they can get even more difficult when extended family members try to involve themselves in the arrangements. If your ex-in-laws are trying to sabotage the custody arrangements you have with your ex-spouse, you'll need to take steps to regain control of the situation. Here are some steps you can take to avoid continued problems from the ex-in-laws. 

Attempt Continued Communication

If you and your ex were making progress in the custody arrangements until your ex-in-laws got involved, it's important that you attempt continued communication. Failure to maintain open communication can cause serious problems with any attempts at co-parenting. The first thing you should do is find neutral surroundings to discuss arrangements that won't be interrupted by additional family members. The next thing you need to do is try and get your ex to agree to terms in writing. That way, they'll be less inclined to be swayed by other opinions. 

Consider Family Counseling

If you and your ex are losing ground on the negotiations, you'll want to consider family counseling. You may no longer be married, but you're still connected by the child that you share. Family counseling can help you understand the worries that your ex-in-laws may be facing. Counseling can also help you and your ex find common ground to remain open in your communication. 

Request Court-Authorized Mediation

If your attempts to work out a custody arrangement continue to be undermined by your ex-in-laws, it may be time to request court-authorized mediation. Mediation ensures that you and your ex sit down together to work out a custody arrangement that takes the best interest of your child into consideration, rather than the considerations of outside influences. 

Get Your Entire Legal Team Involved

Finally, if your ex-in-laws are making it impossible for you and your ex to come to terms regarding child custody, it's time to get your entire legal team involved. Often when outside influences are involved, open communication and negotiation become impossible. When that happens, the only solution may be to leave the issue in the hands of the court. Contact your child custody attorney and let them take care of the rest.

Don't let ex-in-laws get in the way of your custody negotiations. If your ex-in-laws are interfering in your ability to reach an amicable agreement about the custody of your child, use the tips provided here to break the impasse. Contact a firm like Hart Law Offices, PC for more information.