Ten Tips for Divorcing Parents in Columbia SC

Every year; 2.5 million American couples get divorced, that’s a divorce every 13 seconds. For those men and women, it is often the most grueling, emotionally exhausting, and financially burdensome experiences they will ever have. For their children, it can be even worse.

Divorce is never easy on kids, but there are many ways parents can help lessen the impact of their break-up on their children. To help, our Columbia SC Divorce attorneys share a guide of 10 helpful tips for divorcing parents:

Never criticize your former spouse in front of your children.

Because children know they’re “part mom” and part dad”, the criticism can batter the child’s self-esteem.

Do not use your children as messengers between you and your former spouse.

The less the children feel a part of the battle between their parents, the better.

Reassure your children that they are loved and that the divorce is not their fault.

Many children assume that they are to blame for their parents’ hostility.

Encourage your children to see your former spouse frequently.

Do everything within your power to accommodate the visitation.

At every step during your divorce, remind yourself that your children’s interests- not yours-are paramount, and act accordingly.

Lavish them with love at each opportunity.

Your children may be tempted to act as your caretaker. Resist the temptation to let them.

Let your peers, adult family members, and mental health professionals be your counselors and sounding board. Let your children be children.

If you have a drinking or drug problem, get counseling right away.

An impairment inhibits your ability to reassure your children and give them the attention they need at this difficult time.

If you are the non-custodial parent, pay your child support.

The loss of income facing many children after divorce puts them at a financial disadvantage that has pervasive effect on the rest of their lives.

If you are the custodial parent and you are not receiving child support, do not tell your children.

It feeds into the child’s sense of abandonment and further erodes his or her stability.

If at all possible do not uproot children.

Stability in their residence and school life helps buffer children from the trauma of their parents’ divorce.[i]

Contact our Columbia SC Divorce Attorneys

If you are a parent facing divorce or separation or are merely contemplating your options give us a call at 803.764.1105 or schedule a consultation.  The Columbia SC divorce attorneys at Pozsik & Carpenter are here to help you protect your child’s best interests. We would be happy to talk with you to see how we can help.

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[i] Original source material written by McCurley, Mike (1998). “Ten Tips for Divorcing Parents”. American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.