Divorce is always complex and traumatic, especially if there are children involved. According to Children and Divorce, as many as 50 percent of American children will witness their parents divorce at some stage, and several of them will see history repeat itself when a second marriage ends. It is important to consider the impact that your divorce will have on your children and to put their interests before your own during this process.
If you are considering divorce, an experienced Queens divorce attorney can guide you through the process. At the Law Office of Elliot Green, we have many years of family law experience, and we have handled a range of complex divorce cases. To schedule an appointment, call us at 718-260-8668. We offer free 30-minute initial consultations, during which we can assess your case, explain your rights and discuss how we can protect your interests.
Here are three tips that every divorcing parent should know:
- Separate Emotions From Actions
Help Guide suggests that the most important tip for divorcing parents is to separate thoughts and feelings from actions. Although this may not be easy to do, remaining objective can help ensure your children do not suffer through the inevitable emotions that accompany a divorce. Rather than vent your frustrations and anger in front of your children, make sure you find another outlet for your emotions.
Experts often recommend counseling, as well as daily activities, such as exercise, to eradicate some of the associated stress. Experts also suggest that if you are feeling angry or frustrated, try to focus on your children. Simply looking at a photograph of them may help shift your perspective from stress to affection. This can also reinforce priorities that may be forgotten during the divorce proceedings.
- Do Not Criticize Your Spouse in Front of Your Children
As Kids Health suggests, children may have strong emotional reactions to the divorce process. There are several steps you can take to limit the trauma of divorce. For example, you can compartmentalize your feelings of anger and frustration toward your spouse, and remember that these issues are yours and not your children’s. Do not use your children as messengers, and remember to keep your adult issues to yourself, while at the same time encouraging your children to voice their own concerns and frustrations about the situation.
- Maintain Parental Consistency
During a divorce, communicating with your spouse may be difficult and stressful; however, proper communication is the key to parental consistency. This involves maintaining the same rules, discipline and schedules in both households. Besides helping your child transition into the new lifestyle, children tend to thrive on consistent schedules. As a result, parental consistency can help prevent stress during the divorce process.
If you are facing divorce or a child custody battle, contact the Law Office of Elliot Green today. An expert Staten Island divorce lawyer will explain the basics of divorce and help you avoid key mistakes that could compromise your interests. Call us at 718-260-8668 to schedule an appointment.