Submitted by B.J. Abbott on
Many divorcing Georgia couples hope for a clean break and a fresh start, but those with children will often have to spend considerable time with each other. Divorced parents may feel that coming to an agreement regarding custody arrangements and visitation schedules is the most difficult part of the process, but moving on and working together as a parenting team is sometimes hard for them as well.
The arguments and discord that often precede a divorce can be extremely traumatic for children, and they risk ongoing psychological damage when divorced parents continue to bicker and quarrel over custody and visitation issues. Former spouses hoping to avoid this pitfall may wish to develop a more businesslike approach to parenting, and they should strive to speak to one another as if they were conversing with their child’s schoolteacher or coach.
While disputes over what is in the best interests of children can rapidly become heated, they may be avoided by spouses who concentrate on co-parenting solutions instead of problems. Searching for ways to resolve contentious issues is more productive than finger pointing, and clearly defining areas of responsibility may allow parents to focus on helping their children rather than questioning one another. Parents should also remember that raising children is a marathon, not a sprint, and disagreements should be seen as only temporary setbacks.
Experienced family law attorneys will likely understand that disagreements over child custody and visitation can be particularly difficult to resolve. However, they may point out to divorcing parents that failing to reach an amicable understanding will leave the final decision to a judge. Court battles can be protracted and costly, and there is no guarantee that either parent will be happy with the outcome. To prevent such an outcome, attorneys may recommend that couples consider alternative approaches such as family law mediation.
