Did you know that, in any given year, 1 million children will feel the lasting effects of their parents’ separation or divorce? The traditional, or nuclear, family is quickly dissolving, and, today, children are much more likely to live with a single parent only, according to Professor of Sociology at University of Wisconsin-Madison. How do children impact the divorce process, and what should parents take into consideration when determining custody?
Uncontested Divorce With Children
What is an uncontested divorce? An uncontested, or no fault, divorce typically entails a certain level of mutual agreement. Both parties agree to an uncontested divorce, and often breach crucial topics, including division of assets, debts, material possessions, and property. A truly uncontested divorce is simplest when soon to be terminated marriages are relatively short-term, and do not involve children. Once children are involved, it may be best to speak to child custody attorneys. Why? Even the most agreeable couples may have trouble adhering to state-specific child support laws and child support percentages, according to The Examiner. Seeking legal counsel will help couples familiarize themselves with laws, and ensure that they remain within legal guidelines.
Divorce Can Devastate Children
There are, moreover, other considerations to keep in mind in an uncontested divorce with children. Psychology Today reveals that joint custody can be both the best, and worst, option. The publication goes on to explain that joint custody benefits children of low conflict divorce only. If parents cannot be civil when arranging visits and transporting their child, joint custody can actually keep children trapped in a toxic, damaging environment. Young children, from birth to approximately five years old, may suffer from increased trust issues in the parent-child relationship in the event of high conflict divorces, according to a Personality and Social Psychology bulletin.
Divorce is never simple. Adding children into the mix, however, makes things especially complicated. Parties should keep state specific laws, and children’s best interests, in mind at all times.