How to Minimize the Impact of Divorce on Children
Katherine O’ Rourke – Partner Family Law
Washington, DC Divorce Attorney, Katherine O’ Rourke discusses how to minimize the impact of divorce on children.
Studies have shown that it is the conflict between parents that influences or impacts children the most in divorce. It’s not actually the divorce itself. It’s important for parents who are going through divorce to recognize how their specific behaviors on a daily basis can impact their children. It’s really important at the beginning of the divorce process to have a frank conversation or dialogue with your soon-to-be ex-spouse about how are we going to conduct ourselves during this divorce process because we have control over this scenario.
When parents have an adversarial relationship or can’t speak directly to each other, we frequently recommend that they work with a third party, whether or not it be a parenting coordinator or a child specialist. You really have to think and prioritize your children’s concerns throughout the process. When you focus on the children and you think about “How do I want my child to perceive me, to perceive my soon-to-be ex-spouse at the end of this, and how do I want my children to function in society when all of this is over?” All of this is very important. Your actions now are going to impact how your child develops in this world.
At the end of the day I want my clients to leave with a schedule that is in place that serves the needs of the children and provides for solid, effective communication between the parents so that they can work together as a family to provide for a safe and secure future for their children.
