If you have children and your marriage is ending, your biggest concern is likely their well-being. One of the biggest issues for children of divorce is visitation with the non-custodial parent. While this can be a challenging adjustment for parents and kids alike, you can take steps you can take to make transitions go more smoothly.
Stay Positive
Regardless of your feelings about your former spouse, you should avoid expressing negative feelings in front of your children. Instead, help them anticipate visitation with the other parent in a positive way, perhaps by talking about the fun they will have while there. By the same token, reassure your child that you'll miss them but will be fine while they are gone. Children may feel guilt if they sense that you are sad about the visit. When the children are with you, show them your love and affection by being present in the moment. Play games with them and have special moments together; avoid working and sending emails and texts when possible.Be Polite and Respectful
One of the best things you can do for your children is remaining on good terms with the other parent. Respect their time by promptly dropping the children off or arriving at the designated meeting spot on time. If they are picking the child up at your house, make sure he or she is ready when they arrive. Avoid changing plans at the last minute when it's not absolutely necessary (flat tire, for example). Fostering an agreeable environment will help your child love and care for both parents without feeling guilty, an important component of self-esteem and healthy relationships. If possible, spending time together as a family, whether having lunch or seeing a movie, will help your child feel better about the divorce and ease the co-parenting relationship.Have a Plan in Place
A written custody plan supports successful co-parenting and helps children and parents alike feel a sense of stability that will ease the transition into a two-parent household. This plan spells out information about visitation, including visitation with grandparents and other family members. It can also include details about school, activities, and rules to be followed at both homes. Once your divorce attorney Utah helps you create a plan that both partners agree on, stick to its terms for visitation. Communication about the plan should always be between the parents; children should not be relied upon as go-between to bring messages from one parent to another. Avoid talking about sensitive issues such as custody or support in front of the children. When children know what to expect and what is expected of them, they feel more secure and are able to adjust more easily to the divorce.If you need a divorce attorney Utah, contact us for knowledge and expertise about the ins and outs of child custody and visitation.
About the Author:
Cory Wall has over 28 years experience as a divorce and family law attorney and is a member in good standing of the State Bars of both Utah and California. Cory aggressively representing his clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property, and debt division.
Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388
