If you and your spouse plan to divorce soon, you may have many disagreements about your home, cars, and other valuables. You may even argue and disagree about obtaining custody of your children. But unlike the material things in your life, you shouldn't fight over your children. The constant altercations could affect your kids' mental, physical, and emotional health in ways you couldn't imagine. Here are reasons to leave your children out of your custody disagreements and what you can do instead.
How Can Your Disagreements Affect Your Children?
Children have the unique ability to soak in almost everything they see and hear. This gift allows children to learn about the world around them. But sometimes, children see and hear things that can negatively impact their lives, including arguments.
You and your divorcing spouse may each want full custody of your children. However, your children may actually benefit from having both parents in their lives. If your kids are old enough to express their feelings, they may have already made it clear about their needs and wants. If you or your divorcing spouse ignores the pleas of your children, it could cause chaos and strife in their lives. Some kids can act out or turn to substance abuse to help them get through their parents' divorce.
It's less stressful on your kids if you and your spouse come to an agreement that works best for them.
How Can You Settle Your Problems Amicably?
You can find common ground with the other parent through mediation. Mediation allows both parents to sit down and voice their concerns and opinions in a peaceful environment. A mediator or divorce attorney will supervise the meeting and help each party come to an amicable or mutual agreement. If problems still arise during the meeting, an attorney or mediator will suggest solutions for them.
It's important to be realistic and fair during the mediation phase of your divorce. Unless the other parent is abusive to your children, they still have rights to see and care for them. Once you get through the mediation phase, you and the other parent can develop a custody agreement that benefits your children.
You and the other parent should maintain the agreement as much as possible. If things do change in the future, consult with a divorce or child custody lawyer immediately. You don't want to confuse or alienate your children.
For more details about solving your custody problems, contact a divorce lawyer right away. Your children's future depends on it.
Share5 December 2017
