Going through a divorce can cause such turmoil between spouses that parents often overlook the impact their conflict can have on their children. In addition to their basic physical needs, children have emotional and psychological needs that must be met in order to grow into happy, well-adjusted adults. Unfortunately, many of their needs go unmet when parents allow their differences to get in the way of their parenting.
Once your Virginia divorce is finalized, parental differences may not be as detrimental, as you and your ex are not living together on a daily basis. As a result, you may find certain aspects of parenting have become easier. To help maximize the positive effects of divorce on your parenting, you may find it will help to develop a parenting plan.
In addition to a solid Virginia child custody agreement that your Virginia Beach family law attorney has helped you devise, try putting some basic parenting guidelines together that you and your ex can agree upon (if you’re on amiable terms).
Some basic rules you might want to incorporate into your parenting plan include a commitment to:
- respect each other at all times;
- put the children’s needs first;
- respect the visitation schedule and the other parent’s privacy;
- steer clear of interfering with the other spouse’s parenting methods; and
- agree to discuss conflict away from the children.
By putting your differences aside long enough to create a healthy co-parenting situation, you may find unexpected positive effects of Virginia divorce on your parenting to help make the transition easier.
Contacting a Family Law Attorney in Virginia Beach
Our Virginia Beach family law attorneys care about your rights, the welfare and happiness of your children, and your financial security. Let us use our unique experience to help you focus on your goals for the future and your family. To learn more about Virginia divorce, request a FREE copy of our divorce book for women in Virginia, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar – 757-425-5200.