Divorce is stressful and creates a variety of emotions. It takes time for everyone to adjust to their new normal and for children to acclimate living in two homes instead of one. I often tell parents, adults choose to divorce, children do not, it’s not their decision to make, yet the divorce still happens to them. Children live the schedule and must adjust to two homes, multitasking their … [Read more...] about 5 Mistakes Parents Make During and After Divorce
children and divorce
Visitation And Residency Restrictions – Time And Distance Is The “Driver”
When clients are considering their proposed visitation/possession schedule or residency restriction, whether they are preparing for negotiation, option building, or requested relief from a Court, there are certain overriding issues they should consider. Clients who are considering something other than standard possession and residency restrictions should begin by thinking about the … [Read more...] about Visitation And Residency Restrictions – Time And Distance Is The “Driver”
Think Like a Child When Going Through Divorce
For many of my years as a family lawyer I was asked by judges to represent the interests of children going through divorce. As an “ad litem” or “amicus attorney”, it was my duty to talk to my young charges to find out what they were thinking and what was bothering them. In many cases their parents couldn’t agree on where the children should … [Read more...] about Think Like a Child When Going Through Divorce
How to Protect Children Through Divorce
Children are a primary concern for parents during the divorce process. This time can be confusing and overwhelming for everyone involved, so it is essential to make sure your kids feel safe and protected. Presented here is a quick list of six things that you can do as co-parents to ensure the mental and emotional wellbeing of your children. 1. Be present for your children The process of divorce … [Read more...] about How to Protect Children Through Divorce
Top Worries Children Have About Divorce
The transition from married to divorce can be daunting for parents. Children may have their own worries regarding the process of divorce. The family dynamic is changing in a major way, so they may have concerns and fears regarding this major life change. Parents are well served by maintaining a sense of security in their new situation and being aware of common worries regarding … [Read more...] about Top Worries Children Have About Divorce
Effect of Divorce on Children and Adolescents
Divorce can have significant negative effects on children and adolescents. Intense parental conflict during or after a divorce is associated with mental health problems among their children. Hetherington found that approximately 25 percent of children whose parents divorced suffered serious emotional, social, and psychological problems as adults compared with just 10 percent of children whose … [Read more...] about Effect of Divorce on Children and Adolescents
5 Tips to Insure Children’s Emotional Safety During Divorce
The time of the divorce can be fraught with confusion, sadness, and even anger. Your child’s emotions may be running high, and it is the opportune time to step in and provide extra care and comfort for them. Emotional distress of children surrounding divorce can be minimized if you and your ex can remember these following tips: 1. Let them share their concerns Your children will have many … [Read more...] about 5 Tips to Insure Children’s Emotional Safety During Divorce
10 Things Parents Should NOT Do During a Divorce
Do not put your children in the middle of your conflict. It creates a loyalty bind and may increase emotional distress. Do not allow the children to be a messenger. Parents should talk directly to each other about child-related information. Create a shared calendar for notification, activities, and logistics. Do not take kill shots to the other parent. Spare children from the gory details … [Read more...] about 10 Things Parents Should NOT Do During a Divorce
What is a Parenting Plan?
In 2005, the Texas Legislature revised child custody by requiring that the parties or a judge develop a parenting plan to allocate rights and duties. The elements of a parenting plan include who may exercise various parental rights and duties, who will pay child support and whether a parenting coordinator is needed to facilitate co-parenting post-divorce. Parents submit a proposed parenting plan … [Read more...] about What is a Parenting Plan?
Jealousy Between Divorcing Parents and Children
Married parents are proud of their children, want them to succeed, and rarely feel any jealousy of them. Moreover, children in happy married families rarely feel jealous of their parents. However, divorcing parents often feel jealous if their children form a close bond with one parent and the children often feel jealousy when a divorced parent begins dating. Jealousy within a divorcing family … [Read more...] about Jealousy Between Divorcing Parents and Children