Dissolving a marriage is a complex matter, especially when children are involved. When a couple in New York decides to end their marriage, they must agree on the terms that will apply to the termination of their marriage. These terms usually include the division of property, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Parents must agree on a custody arrangement for their child’s best interests. If a couple fails to reach an agreement, the court will decide. Generally, the court believes it’s in a child’s best interests to have a relationship with both parents if possible. Unless serious issues such as domestic violence or substance abuse exist, co-parenting is the preferred course of action. However, parents should be aware that playing an active role in their children’s lives alongside their exes can be difficult. You must compromise and cooperate in a divorce to avoid conflict and safeguard your child’s best interest. Please continue reading to learn how to ensure your child’s best interests during a divorce and how our competent Monmouth County Child Custody Attorneys can help you today.
What steps can I take during a divorce to ensure the best interest of my child?
As a co-parent, it’s your job to put your negative emotions about your former spouse to the side and put your child’s needs first. The quality of the relationship between co-parents can strongly impact a child’s mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, you must overcome all your resentments, or you will be worn down by conflict. While feeling negative emotions toward your former spouse is normal, don’t let these feelings dictate your behavior. While you may feel tempted to vent to your children, you should turn to your friends, family, or a therapist instead. If you share your negative opinions about your former spouse with your children, it could make your child feel as though they must choose a side. It’s never a good idea to put your children in the middle.
Moreover, you can ensure your child’s best interests during a divorce by improving your communication with your co-parent. It can often be helpful to approach the relationship you must have with your ex like a business partnership. It would be best if you cordially spoke to your ex, as you would a colleague. Instead of making statements, you should make requests. If you sound demanding, it can start a fight. In addition, you should maintain appropriate boundaries. Don’t engage in blaming, insulting, or any other unproductive communication that has been directed toward you. If you know your ex will try to provoke an argument, refrain from meeting in person.
As you can see, there are numerous ways to ensure your child’s best interests during a divorce. If you’re ready to call it quits, please don’t hesitate to enlist the legal assistance of a determined attorney from the legal team at Paone Zaleski & Murphy, who can help fight for your family.