HOW DIVORCE CAN DIFFER WHEN CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED

When it comes to ending a marriage, issues like property division and where to live are common to nearly every case. But, for parents, there are a myriad of other issues to navigate. Colorado parents who are raising children while going through a divorce must consider many things; not only legal and financial issues like custody and child support, but how to behave and support their children through what can be a challenging period for a family.

One of the first decisions a parent has to make when divorcing is how to tell their children. Ideally, the two soon-to-be exes will be able to work together on this so both parties are answering questions consistently. Telling children before filing papers is usually ideal, so everyone is on the same page and feels like they are on common ground. This can lessen feelings of betrayal that children might feel if they think information was hidden from them.

Avoid making emotional decisions when it comes to communicating with children. Direct, age-appropriate and reassuring discourse is the right strategy. There may be temptation to speak poorly about the other spouse, but avoid this at all costs as it can hurt children to hear negative things about one of their parents.

Third-party support can make a big difference in helping to sort things out and be the best parents possible. Therapy can often help parents who are otherwise at odds reach a co-parenting strategy and define a “script” for how to answer children’s questions about the divorce. In addition, a Colorado lawyer should also be on hand to help parents sort out details as quickly as possible, so they can give children clarity on what to expect while still protecting their individual interests.