CHILDREN IN DIVORCE CASES
How does divorce affect children? Divorce is difficult for everyone, regardless of age or how long you’ve been married. And even if you do have children, their well-being is most likely your primary concern.
Divorce affects all children of all ages; however, it is most likely the hardest on young elementary-aged children. Even infant children can sense the pressure from their parent’s divorce case.
The Battle For Parental Custody
Many factors play into a child getting custody. If the parents conflict with religion, the child can become the target of religious intolerance. If one or both parents have substance abuse problems, the courts are more likely to place the child in a custodial care situation. Another important factor in custody is the amount of time each parent devotes to parenting. The courts prefer joint physical custody, which allows both parents to spend equal time with the child. The courts also prefer joint legal custody, so the child has equal representation with both parents.
The second factor that plays into the child custody situation is emotional exhaustion. If one of the parents suffered a large amount of stress due to the divorce, the child might be affected. It is important to remember that children experience emotional pain after divorce as much as adults. In addition, as adults, we deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A parent who has a history of emotional trauma is more likely to alienate the child. This trauma can lead to the parent alienating the child and making it more difficult for them to receive a fair hearing.
Divorce Can Trigger Physical Illness
If one parent was abusive or had other issues that brought emotional trauma, the child’s body may have been compromised. This can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, drug addiction, or depression. These conditions can have a long-lasting impact on the child’s emotional health and development even after the marriage. The longer these conditions are allowed to go untreated, the more drastic the consequences will be later in life.
Other Affects Of Divorce On Kids
Children of divorced parents are at higher risk for having problems with physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse and being expelled from school. They also may not see positive role models to follow in adulthood, resulting in a decreased sense of self-worth and a greater likelihood of developing substance abuse problems.
Kids from single-parent families also have a higher chance of spending time incarcerated. They also are more likely to live with drug or alcohol abuse, have low self-esteem, and have an inclination towards crime.
These same children are also less likely to have meaningful friendships or experience meaningful romantic relationships. Divorced couples are more likely to have kids who have behavioral problems, experience neglect, and are victims of domestic violence.
Do What Is Best For The Children
If one of the parents is willing to work toward an uncontested divorce, the kids would be in the best possible position to experience greater levels of trust and stability. This scenario will benefit kids in many ways, including their emotional health, their ability to form trusting relationships, and their relationship with their other siblings. Children who are very close to their parents may feel less lonely after a divorce if they know their other parent is also actively raising them.
At Moran & Associates Family Law, divorce lawyers in Colorado Springs CO, we always keep the best interests of the children involved at the forefront of our family law work. We often are asked “Do I need a lawyer for a divorce?”. Sometimes the answer is no if you and your spouse think it would be better for the children. Otherwise, you can get a free consultation by searching for a divorce lawyer near me to discuss your situation.
