People who are consumed with divorce may be particularly focused on not getting the raw end of the deal. They often concentrate on dividing property and assets and, in the process, may inadvertently neglect their own children’s feelings. Just as divorce can be emotionally troubling for an adult, it also can be difficult for a child. Conflict between two parents about matters such as child custody only exacerbates the problem for children in California.
Reportedly, about 30 percent of divorces feature moments of intense conflict between the two parents. In some of these cases, parents are struggling with problems such as personality disorders and depression, which impacts the children who witness this. The decisions of parents during the dissolution of a marriage are critical in determining how stable and mentally healthy a child will end up being.
Kids can actually make it through divorce well if the situation is handled properly. In fact, many children easily adjust to their new lives following divorce. What is more difficult to recover from is being caught in the middle of two parents who can’t seem to get along and ridicule each other as a result.
Divorce certainly has its challenges, but the parents have the power to make the transition as positive as possible for their shared kids. When a California court considers a child custody case, the judge strives to make the decision based on the best interests of the child. In fact, the court may look at the mental health of the parents as well as the kids’ relationships with both parents as part of the decision-making process. Both parties certainly have the right to seek custody of their kids while focusing primarily on the children’s welfare, currently and in the long-term.
Source: saratogian.com, “Terrific Parenting: Damage to children from high-conflict divorce“, , April 5, 2014
