When parents get divorced in Virginia, they may naturally wonder how best to approach the situation with the children. As a general rule of thumb, it is important that divorcing parents make the marital breakup as positive of an experience as possible for their children in light of the circumstances. Here are a couple of ways to do this.
First, it is important for both parties to avoid using the children to communicate with each other. Otherwise, the children may feel like pawns in a chess game that the parents are constantly playing. Instead, the parents should ideally speak with each other and discuss with the children only those matters that are relevant to them. In addition, it is important that they are on the same page regarding these matters before talking to their children about them.
Second, it is critical that parents who are getting divorced help the children to stay rooted during the divorce. For instance, it might be best for the children to stay in the marital home. The reason for this is that having to relocate to another home while also navigating the emotional roller coaster of their parents’ divorce can be traumatic for children.
If possible, it is also best for divorcing parents to try to create a parenting agreement through informal negotiations or mediation. Addressing matters such as child custody and visitation outside of court is often less stressful than having a judge decide these matters during divorce trial. An attorney in Virginia can guide a divorcing parent through an out-of-court divorce proceeding, making sure that his or her rights and the children’s best interests are upheld each step of the way.
