Divorce signals the end of a relationship between two people, but it does not mean the end of a family. Maryland parents who get divorced will need to figure out how to continue raising their children as a family while still respecting their own privacy and limits.
The first thing parents must do is separate the issues that led to the divorce from the ones related to raising the children. This includes not speaking negatively to the kids about the other parent or the reasons for the divorce and, instead, finding someone besides the children to talk to about those things. Parents should also find healthy ways to communicate and avoid arguing in front of the kids each time they see each other.
The second thing parents should do is create a parenting plan that works for all involved. For this step, parents should take into account not only their preferences, but their children’s preferences and needs as well. With older children, their preferences about which parent they might want to live with primarily should also be considered. There is a variety of living arrangements that parents can choose, and these can also change as the children grow.
As life goes on after the end of the marriage, parents should be careful about introducing their kids to new partners, considering how the children will be affected if the new relationship does not work out. Individuals should also let the other parent know when they plan to introduce the children to their new partner.
Individuals going through a divorce might choose to seek guidance and support from a divorce lawyer. An attorney might help his or her client negotiate a parenting plan that is fair and balanced as well as represent that person with other aspects of the divorce.
