Sometimes it seems as if divorce is just a long series of hard parts. The first hard part: deciding to divorce. The next hard part: telling the children. And the next: telling everyone else. Who exactly should you tell and when? And what do you say when you may not be ready to talk about…
New Jersey courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of children. Unless there are circumstances that would disqualify a parent from being in their child’s life — for example, domestic violence, abuse or criminal behavior — courts believe that it is important for both parents to be accessible to their children. However, in…
Today, divorce is commonplace, but there was a time several decades ago when divorce was considered socially taboo and couples were encouraged to always stay together “for the sake of the children.” Now we know that whether or not divorce is harmful to children depends largely on how it is handled by their parents. We…
No matter how amicable your divorce, there is no question that it will have some sort of effect on your children. They will undoubtedly experience sadness, anger, and worry — many of the same emotions you experienced as well. After a divorce, it is not uncommon for the noncustodial parent to drift away — especially…
While divorce is the end of your marriage, it is not the end of your — or your spouse’s — role as parents. To help ease the stress that divorce puts on your children, you need to work together to co-parent peacefully; here are five tips that will help you: Share custody. Absent any history…
When divorcing spouses are unable to agree on child custody, a judge may order a custody evaluation. Both spouses participate in the process, where a psychologist or other mental health expert will evaluate both parents and the children and make custody and visitation recommendations to the court. Since courts usually give significant weight to these…
Divorce is hard on kids, and parents who fight over custody, visitation, or other issues make it even harder. The way you and your ex-spouse behave toward one another is hugely influential, so be sure you focus on setting a good example by seeking to build a good relationship with each other. Focus on your…
One of the things parents dread most about divorce is breaking the news to their children. You are naturally concerned about managing the emotional impact this will have on them, and the best way to do this is to come to the conversation fully prepared. The following tips can help you prepare for this difficult…