These actions will help to Save Your Children and Restructure your Family through the divorce process.
Parenting through divorce is the same as parenting in a marriage – It’s about the children first!
Divorce happens between partners in a marriage it doesn’t mean proper parenting goes away. Parenting during and after a divorce is even more important and crucial because you will be doing individually. You will be sharing the time with your children and their mother or father.
The children are your responsibility and it’s up to you to care, love and direct them until they can function on their own. But as every parent knows and my mom has told me, you never stop being a parent and sometime parentings continues- whether we want it to or not-it’s habit.
In some situations divorce is inevitable and in your family’s best interest but your children’s need and interests need to be your priority.
In Colorado, parents must take a parenting course after divorce course before the court will determine or sign off on a parenting plan. Do this sooner than later to help you parent through the divorce and after.
I’ve put together 3 actions Parents need to take during the Divorce process.
Talk to a counselor on how to explain to your children you are divorcing.
I recommend Individual sessions for the kids for 2 main reasons: reinforce to them they don’t have to take sides and help them find healthy ways to cope with this life changing experience.
Educate yourself about the kind of parenting plans best for children of certain ages.
My experience with parenting plans, parental responsibility evaluations and with work as a guardian ad litem, here’s what I learned: New babies should have one bed one routine and one place to sleep at night. Younger children need more frequent but shorter visits with each parent. Pre-teen and older children need to have their schedules, social life and own plans considered in your parenting time.
Work with a family counselor instead of someone in the legal realm to determine the best Parenting Plan for your children.
Parents and children are so much happier when parents put their differences aside and get family counseling through the divorce process. This provides a therapeutic outlet for the children, a safe place for parents to voice their concerns for the other’s parenting style and a productive and helpful way for your family to define a parenting plan best for your family.
My experience as a family law attorney has taught me many things and I believe that these three actions as the best you can do for your family and for your self.
If you have questions or need any recommendations please contact me anytime.
