Family Lawyer

Divorce can be a complicated and stressful ordeal. In addition to dealing with the necessary requirements which can sometimes vary between each state, divorce takes an emotional toll on both spouses. In the case where there are children, this emotional toll can particularly be stressful. Along with figuring out child custody, there’s also the reality of needing to prepare your children for divorce. While this process is never fun or easy, there are some tips that can make the process more manageable. 

Try to Handle Things Amicably

Tensions and emotions are prone to be high between you and your spouse. There may even be issues such as infidelity that have played a factor in the divorce. However, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, children are involved. As such, trying to handle things as amicably as you can with your spouse is the best option when possible.

Only Tell Your Children When Divorce is a Sure Thing

All relationships have their fair shares of ups and downs. Couples fight and moods changes. So too can the prospect of a divorce. That’s why it’s important to only alert your children when you for sure know that the divorce is a sure thing. This doesn’t mean when you and your spouse have decided to get a divorce either. This means when the official paperwork has begun. 

Practice How You’ll Break the News 

Practice how you’ll break the news to your children. You may decide to tell your children with your spouse or not. Every child responds differently to certain situations. In the case of a divorce, younger children may not be able to process the situation. Older children, they may get angry or have a lot of questions. Be sure to break the news to your children in a safe environment as well and at a good time as well. Take into considerations factors such as their schoolwork. 

Have a Game Plan Already in Place

While you and your spouse don’t need to know every element of how the divorce will happen, it’s best to know as much as you can. This includes having a co-parenting plan drafted. This plan should include key information like living arrangements and how much time each parent will have with the kids each week. 

Reassure Them They’re Loved

Following a divorce, some children are prone to believe that they caused the divorce. Reassure your children that they’re still loved and that the divorce has nothing to deal with them. Additionally, there might be times when your children have delayed reactions. This is common. When it happens, make sure to be there. If necessary, you may even consider family counseling to help them process their emotions. 

Going through a divorce can be a traumatic experience not just for both spouses, but for children as well. While dealing with the emotional toll takes time and patience, when it comes to litigation, a family lawyer can help make the process easier. Our friends at Law Group of Iowa have experienced family lawyers ready to assist.