The Effect of Divorce on Children

Don’t hate each other more than you love your child

When going through a Divorce and there are children involved, the Courts will always consider the “best interest of the child.” Although there is no standard definition of “best interest of the child,” the term normally refers to the deliberation the courts examine when they must decide what action and orders will best serve a child as well as who is best suited to care for a child. The Courts typically follow a list of statutory factors that help them determine what is in the best interest of the child.

Unlike the Court, parents don’t have a list of statutory factors they should follow to determine what is in the best interest of the child.  Often times the emotions of the divorce take over and the parents tend to forget about the children and focus more on the hate of their ex.  How can you protect your child and protect their best interests?  Keep reaffirming with the other parent that your child’s emotional health is your number one priority.  Even though you are no longer marital partners, you will always have to be a child-raising partner.  Reaffirm this when you get mad at your ex. Always remember that your child is not the one who got divorced.  Don’t make your child feel guilty for loving the other parent or having fun with the other parent. Rather, encourage a relationship with the other parent and you will find that the reward of raising a self-sufficient, mature child will have longer lasting benefits than hating your ex forever.

For more information on this topic, please contact Attorney Christina Anton Garcia at Anton Garcia Law in Tampa, FL, by calling 813-907-9807.