How Can Divorcing Parents Protect Children’s Best Interests?

 Posted on March 21, 2019 in Divorce

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), more than 40% percent of marriages throughout the United States ultimately end in divorce. Separating from your spouse can be an incredibly turbulent and emotional time in your life, and for parents, a divorce can be especially difficult. As you navigate the divorce process, it is important for you to remain engaged as a parent. Seeking assistance from a qualified attorney can allow you to focus on the well-being of your family as you work to finalize your divorce. 

Divorce as a Parent  

When children are involved in a divorce, it is important to act with extreme care. For children, the divorce of their parents can be uniquely challenging to grasp and cope with. Listed below are a few key steps you should take as you juggle being a parent and separating from your spouse:

• Remain Engaged: Throughout your divorce, it is critical to reassure your child that you will always be a part of their life. You can do this through fun family activities like going to see a movie or going to the park. It is also important to demonstrate that you are still fully invested in the things that they are passionate about and make sure that you do not miss any important extracurricular activities. It should be noted that many children begin to struggle with academic performance during divorce, so speak with teachers, coaches, and other key figures in their lives as they go through this difficult time. 
• Talk With Your Kids: Speaking with your children regarding your divorce can be one of the most difficult conversations you ever have as a parent. However, these conversations can make all the difference in alleviating any concerns your child may have about your separation. Be willing to answer difficult questions and remember to remain calm, even if your child becomes agitated or flustered. In a lot of divorces, children will irrationally blame themselves for the divorce of their parents, so open and steady dialogue and reassurance can be key to their mental and emotional health. 
• Develop a Custody Strategy: As you begin to speak with your attorney about the resolution of your divorce, one of the first things that will need to be addressed is child custody. As a parent, you need to know what your custody goals are. A joint custody agreement is often the best option for children, because it enables them to maintain a relationship with both parents. In other cases, joint custody is not a healthy option, and you may look to secure sole custody. If you look to pursue sole custody, speak with your attorney about the possibility of receiving child support payments from your spouse. 

Contact a Wheaton Family Law Attorney 

The emotional aspects of a divorce can be incredibly challenging to cope with, as separating with a spouse is never easy. Unfortunately, divorce can present a number of unforeseen complications that may be completely unrelated to the emotional side of a separation. At the Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our legal team is dedicated to resolving the nuanced aspects of your divorce while protecting your parental rights and your children’s best interests. To set up a consultation with a knowledgeable and compassionate DuPage County divorce lawyer, contact us today at 630-462-9500. 

Sources:

https://www.apa.org/topics/divorce/