By Hannah Conway, Family Solicitor
As society is evolving, more and more couples are applying to get divorced. The introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2022 has taken the element of blame away as a result of the ‘no fault divorce’ change. The result is that in 2022, 7,394 divorces and 54 dissolutions took place.
Going through a divorce is an emotional time for all of those involved and therefore it important to consider what measures need to be put in place to protect the children during such time.
Children may exhibit emotional and behavioural issues that can become more inflated when trying to cope with their parent’s divorce. Some children may feel guilty and blame themselves for the divorce. They may also experience feelings of confusions and conflict as a result. In addition, they may start to struggle in school and show less interest in activities that they once loved.
Change is inevitable and with change comes its own difficulties, but it is how this is managed that can reduce the stress that this may cause children. This can include:
- Talking to your children and inviting them to express and share their feelings. It may be that your child discloses something that is difficult to hear but it is important to provide them with the support that they need to navigate this situation. It is important that your child feels heard.
- Take the burden away from them by reassuring them that this is not their fault.
- Ensure that you are having quality time with your child. Divorce can be consuming and hard to manage but making sure that you have time available to spend with them will illustrate that their relationship with both parents will not change.
- Consider how to ensure that a routine is introduced early on. This will be something that requires thoughts and effort from both parents, but the benefit is that the child will feel less overwhelmed with all of the change, all at once.
Whilst emotions are heightened, it important to ensure that you are not asking your child to take sides. In addition, you must ensure that you are not critical or negative of the other parent to limit the conflict they are experiencing. Promoting a good relationship with the other parent can positively impact your child and allow them to feel comfortable and free to talk to you.
There are many actions that divorcing couples can take to try and minimise the effect that the child will experience. There is a drive towards mediation which can address the child arrangements and the finances. Mediation allows both parties to feel heard and can unlock any issues that the parties are facing when trying to reach an agreement.
Moreover, the parents could agree on a parenting plan which whilst it is not legally binding, can be used as a starting point when agreeing any future arrangements.
Get in touch with our experienced and specialist advisors who can assist and provide you with tailored advice.
You can contact Hannah Conway at email hidden; JavaScript is required and 01249 475899
