Why a Marital Breakup Involving Divorce with Children Can Be So Difficult When There Are Minor Children in the Home
Divorce with children is rarely easy, but a divorce when there are minor children in the marital home can be particularly problematic. That’s not necessarily a good reason to stay in a bad marriage. If you know the issues that can cause challenges, though, you can take steps to minimize the turmoil.
The Common Controversies in Divorce Proceedings Involving Minor Children
According to a study conducted by the Center for Law and Social Policy, most divorce proceedings involve families with minor children in the home, particularly if it’s a first divorce for both parties. In those situations, more than 60% of those filing for divorce were parents of a minor child.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle parents face when getting a divorce is the emotional impact the breakup will have on their children. Even when you don’t consciously or intentionally do so, you can make your children feel like they have to take sides on almost every issue. Many children of divorce blame themselves for the divorce and many fear that they will do something to cause their parents to stop loving them. To the extent possible, you can alleviate some of those concerns by working cooperatively with your ex, by not making an issue of the small things, and by giving your children a reliable routine.
Custody disputes are also a part and parcel of many divorces involving minor children. As a parent, you want as much access to your child as possible. Unfortunately, you can’t be with them all the time. Furthermore, your circumstances may change—a new job or a new shift, or an injury that limits your mobility. You may want to change the arrangement, but you’ll typically have to find a mutually beneficial way to do that.
Child support can also be a thorny issue when there are minor children. As the payee, you can find it difficult to support two homes. As the recipient, you may find it necessary to provide the standard of life you want for your child. Unfortunately, child support and visitation often get used as weapons between warring parents. There’s no legal relationship between the two, though. You can’t without child support because your ex has denied visitation. Likewise, you can’t deny your ex access to the children if he or she falls behind in child support payments.
Contact Experienced Texas Family Law Attorney Chrysandra S. Bowen
At DTX Family Law, we always put your interests first. We know that the legal process can be complex and confusing, and we’ll carefully explain your rights and options, as well as your chances of success, so that you can make good decisions for you and your family. Chrysandra is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor earned by less than one of every ten family law attorneys in the state. To schedule an appointment with a proven and effective Texas family lawyer, visit our new website or call our offices at 940-566-0606.
Handling Divorce and Family Law Matters throughout Denton and the surrounding communities, including Denton, Collin, Wise, Tarrant and Cooke counties, as well as the cities of Flower Mound, Highland Village, Bartonville, Lake Dallas, Corinth, Frisco, Northlake, Trophy Club, Haslet, Justin, Ponder, Coppell, The Colony, Lantana, Argyle, Roanoke, Copper Canyon, Hickory Creek, Lewisville, Little Elm, McKinney, Allen, Princeton, Anna, Lavon, Melissa, Parker, Lavon, Westminster and Weston