Steps to a Successful Divorce When You Have Children

Going through a divorce is never easy, but it can be even more stressful, emotional, and potentially disruptive when there are children involved. Regardless of problems in your relationship with your soon-to-be former spouse, you want to do everything possible to protect the children you have together. While there is no one-fit-all solution, our experienced Stark County divorce attorney advises taking certain steps for a successful divorce with children. 

First Things First: Telling Your Children About Your Divorce

One of the first and often most difficult tasks as a parent getting a divorce is deciding when and how to tell your children. It is best to do this early on, before they overhear you talking about it or hear the news from someone else. 

Help Guide advises that, if possible, you and your spouse should be together when breaking the news. Pick a time when you can all be together and do not have any pressing business to attend to (such as in the evening, after they have finished their homework but well before bedtime). In regards to what to say: 

• Provide only general details about why you are getting divorced;
• Acknowledge that it is sad news for them and will result in major changes in your family;
• Resolve to minimize impacts they experience, in whatever ways are possible;
• Remind them that you both will continue to love them and that they have nothing to do with the breakup.  

How to Make Divorce Proceedings Easier for Children

Divorce is never pleasant but there are steps you can take to make it more successful when you have children. Practical tips which can help include: 

• Consider their schedules when making a parenting plan: Under the Ohio Code, parenting plans detail the amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home. Consider how any schedules are likely to impact their educational, recreational, and social activities. 
• Realize you will have to compromise: It can be hard having to share parental responsibilities. Realize that you will need to compromise with your spouse in creating a parenting schedule. 
• Avoid conflicts, if possible: When attending divorce proceedings through the Stark County Court, be respectful and avoid getting into needless conflicts when possible. 
• Acknowledge the importance of the parent/child relationship: Regardless of how you feel about your former spouse, realize they are still your child’s other parent and recognize the importance of this relationship. 

Discuss Your Options With Our Stark County Divorce Attorney

As a parent, one of your top priorities in divorce is making sure your children are protected. Unfortunately, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ formula to follow. To discuss your options and the best course of action in your specific situation, reach out to Fout Law. Call or contact our Ohio divorce attorney online and request a confidential consultation today.