The impact of divorce on children

May 18, 2013

Divorce can be an emotional and trying process for everyone involved. Parents sometimes get caught up in the process, but it is important to remember that children often have a difficult time with divorce as well. One million children a year go through the experience of having their parents divorce. Understanding what a child goes through during the divorce and remaining supportive are essential to furthering the child's development.

The difficulty of divorce for children

Divorce has a unique effect on children. If divorcing parents can't be civil, children may be subjected to fights and hostility. Children are also asked to adjust to changes in their living situations when one parent leaves the family home or when the children change where they reside.

Fortunately, parents can work to minimize the negative effects a divorce will have on their children. The best way to do this is to be honest with the children and make sure they feel supported and loved by both parents. Not arguing in front of the children and assuring them that the divorce is not their fault can also help to make them more accepting of the process.

Teenagers and divorce

When teenagers deal with their parents' divorces, they often exhibit hostility and anger. Divorce still affects children even if they are in their late teens. Some parents try to make their marriages work until their children go off to college for their children's sake. Although many children are happy that their parents remain together, these arrangements may not provide children with a positive example of what a good marriage looks like.

Parents often assume that because their child is older, he or she will be better able to handle the divorce. Research shows, however, that a child's brain is continually maturing and developing until around age 25 or 26. In later years, children will likely appreciate their parents' continued efforts to be supportive. Above all, parents should not give up on maintaining relationships with their children.

Divorce in Texas

In Texas, the law allows for some consideration of "fault" when it comes to the grounds for a divorce. This means that the court can consider a spouse's wrongdoing in divorce proceedings. When getting a divorce, many issues must be determined, including child custody, visitation and property division.

Hidden assets can also be a concern for some couples. During a divorce, each spouse is supposed to come forward with all property that he or she has acquired after the marriage occurred. Sometimes, an individual "forgets" or purposely doesn't disclose assets that have been acquired. This can cause a large problem during a divorce, and uncovering all hidden assets is imperative.

If you are thinking about getting a divorce, contact an experienced divorce lawyer for more information.

Article provided by Raggio & Raggio, P.L.L.C.
Visit us at raggiolaw.com