Disagreements with a co-parent are almost inevitable. Two people who have separated, often painfully, must continue to make decisions together about their children. It is hard. But court should be a last resort, not a first response.
Before escalating
Ask yourself: is this disagreement about the children's welfare, or is it driven by your feelings about your ex? It's an honest question worth sitting with. Many co-parenting disputes are really adult conflicts in disguise.
Communication first
Put your request or concern in writing, calmly and specifically. Avoid blame language. Focus on what you want and why it's in the children's interests. Give the other parent time to respond.
Mediation
If direct communication isn't working, mediation, with a trained neutral third party, can help both parents reach agreement without court. It is faster, cheaper and less adversarial than litigation.
When court is necessary
If there are genuine welfare concerns, or if agreement simply cannot be reached after genuine attempts, court may be the right route. But the process is stressful, expensive and slow, and outcomes are not always what either party expects.