3 Challenging Feelings That Impact Children with Parents Going Through Divorce

Divorce in West Virginia Isn’t Just Difficult on the Spouses

Breaking up is rarely easy, even for adults who consider themselves mature and emotionally resilient. Naturally, children often have an even more difficult time than their parents when it becomes clear that a marriage is ending and divorce is imminent.

Divorce in West Virginia

Many of the state’s youngest residents feel the effects of divorce in ways that are not always clear to the adults who care for them. This is just one of many reasons why finding and working with a Charleston, West Virginia divorce lawyer who understands how children will most likely be affected can end up being one of the most critical decisions made throughout the divorce process.

Few adults ever find the prospect of divorce appealing, even when no other possible solution to a marriage-worth of problems seems to present itself. For children, however, the break-up of a marriage almost always ends up being much more difficult. An experienced divorce lawyer who specializes in family law will generally be able to help one or both parents proceed in ways that minimize the stress that divorce tends to inflict on children. Some of the feelings that children most often have to grapple with when their parents separate include:

Confusion.

Even in households where plenty of tension has existed for a long time, it will often not be apparent to the children that the situation has deteriorated. Many parents do an excellent job of keeping the most visible signs of difficulty hidden, so upon hearing that their parents will no longer be together, many children end up feeling confused above all else. Talking with your children and helping them to understand the situation can be beneficial to their healing.

Anger.

When two parents decide that they can no longer continue their lives as a married couple, children often feel angry and betrayed. It can seem like a personal action towards the child, as they can have difficulty understanding why their parents are no longer together. Once again, a lawyer who understands how such feelings arise will often be able to help clients account for and manage their situation.

Uncertainty.

Above all else, splitting up will almost always mean subjecting children to feelings of uncertainty about the future. When a formerly reliable, accustomed arrangement is set to be dissolved, children will naturally be apprehensive about what is to come next. It can also cause children to believe that their parents’ separation is their own fault. Taking great care to discuss what happens next with your child and to assure them that the decision was not their fault can help to defuse emotions. Additionally, making suitable child custody arrangements in your divorce proceeding and parents avoiding blaming one another can also be of great assistance.

Caring Attorneys are Ready to Help 

Parents who decide that marriage is no longer viable often do so with little idea of what their new future holds. That is especially true of the various ways by which divorcing can end up affecting vulnerable, dependent children. Fortunately, attorneys who recognize the importance of such matters are prepared to help their clients make decisions that will put the interests of children first. The divorce lawyers at Pritt & Pritt Law are such attorneys; we are here and ready to help. Contact us today to set up your consultation.