Last week I discussed using the Web 2.0 calendar application 30 Boxes as an easy way for divorced couples to communicate schedules. It was a very popular post and received a lot of traffic, so I thought I’d share a little more technology and divorce advice.

During the separation and divorce process, and even post-divorce, there are usually more than a few arguments that ensue. And, many of these revolve around how to parent. I have been officially divorced for 2 1/2 years now, and my ex-wife and I just had a major difference of opinion two days ago. I don’t want my son playing video games rated “T” for teens. He’s six years old, and I don’t think he’s even remotely mature enough to handle that type of violence. Well, she could care less what I think. So, what am I to do?

Here’s what I do. I use my Gmail account to send her an email kindly expressing my disagreement on this subject. I make sure and not use any threatening language or accuse her of being a bad parent. I simply state my concerns. That’s it. Big deal, you say. How does that help?

Well, it doesn’t help now, but has definite potential to help down the road. If she decides to take me back to court to try and reduce my custody time with my son, or for any other reason, I have a nice, comprehensive archive of conversations with her via email. And, they document most of the issues we’ve had over the last 2 years. Plus, they document my active involvement as a parent, as well as my constant attempts to solidify both of our roles in his life and do what’s best for him. So, forget the phone. Use email as much as possible, so you will have documented proof of what’s really going on between you and your ex-spouse.

I recommend using Gmail because it groups together conversations. It doesn’t generate a separate email for every reply. Each time she replies, or I reply, it attaches the reply to the original email. There are a host of other features that make Gmail, in my opinion, the greatest email application I’ve ever used.

You do have to be invited to open a Gmail account by someone that already has one. If you want one, let me know. I have about 100 invitations left and would love to give them out. Just email me and let me know or post a comment, and I’ll send you an invite.