Divorced parents face unique and difficult challenges. While they make efforts to move on with their lives in a new way, they may struggle with their feelings about the past. It’s important to balance these feelings while engaging with their ex-spouse (if applicable) in order to co-parent in a respectable manner.
Parents are humans, so it is not uncommon for to make mistakes along the way. In this blog post, we will identify some of the major mistakes divorced parents in Massachusetts make and offer proven tips to avoid them.
Our motivated and successful Massachusetts divorce lawyers, led by top-rated family law attorney Jay Davis, are here to help ease your divorce process so you are less stressed and make fewer mistakes that could impact your children. Call Davis Law Group today or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Mistake #1: Arguing and Fighting with the Co-Parent
Divorcing parents may find it challenging to communicate amicably with one another. When disagreeing, it’s best to do it aside for the children’s sake and refrain from fighting or arguing in front of them. When kids overhear their parents squabbling, it can cause unnecessary stress to them.
Criticizing your spouse in front of your kids is never a prudent idea, even if you don’t mean to. Your children may easily overhear your phone conversations with friends, read your texts, and catch the sarcasm in your tone if you say something negative about your ex-spouse.
Hearing their parents badmouth one another is stressful and upsetting for children. They may feel that you are attempting to persuade them to share your viewpoint, which is unfair to them.
Mistake #2: Alienating Your Kids from Your Spouse
Children might suffer deep mental anguish when they are alienated from one or both of their parents. It is well argued that it is in the child’s best interest to have a healthy relationship with each parent.
Your child custody case might be affected if the court finds out that you attempted to disrupt the connection between your ex-spouse and your children. Therefore, in all sensitive child custody matters, we recommend that you follow the legal advice from trusted family law attorney Jay Davis and the team at Davis Law Group in Massachusetts.
Mistake #3: Getting Your Children to Spy on Your Ex-Spouse
If you and your spouse have already started living apart and your children spend time with the other parent, it’s reasonable to ask what they did while they were with the co-parent. But don’t dig into your spouse’s personal or professional activities or their everyday routine. Restrict your questions to your kids’ activities and the quality time they spent while they were there.
Many people make poor decisions during and after a Massachusetts divorce because they are too physically and emotionally exhausted to think clearly. The lawyers at Davis Law Group are skilled in all aspects of state family law and understand the parents’ challenges during a divorce. We will help you avoid common parenting mistakes while you navigate this complex stage of your life. For more information about how we can help or to set up a free consultation, please call us at (617) 752-6216 today.
Mistake #4: Making Children Your Mouthpiece
After a divorce, some parents become so bitter and hostile toward one another that they might decide to cut off all contact with their former spouse. Instead of communicating directly, they will have their kids relay messages back and forth. It’s not conducive for the kids to be caught in this crossfire. Parents who feel they cannot have a normal conversation with one-another may find that email or texting is a more manageable way to stay in touch without risking serious argumentation or feelings of resentment.
Mistake #5: Treating Your Children Like Adults
After a Massachusetts divorce, some parents may turn to their kids for reassurance. But it’s their responsibility to be there for their children. If parents make this misstep, their children may learn specifics about the separation that are best kept hidden. Parents who feel the urge to vent should contact a friend or therapist instead of discussing their feelings with their child.
Davis Law Group is Here to Help You Avoid Common Mistakes During Your Divorce
Divorce is likely one of the most challenging life events you might face. It’s hard enough to deal with the breakdown of your marriage especially when you have children who need love and care from both parents. Jay Davis is a highly experienced and accomplished divorce attorney who knows Massachusetts’ divorce laws like the back of his hand.
Jay and his legal team will guide you every step of the way during your divorce, helping you understand the intricacies so that you can make the right decisions. Our insight and guidance on all divorce and family law matters will also help you protect your child’s best interests. Call us at (617) 752-6216 or request a free consultation using this online form.
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