Florida residents fall in love, get married and start families that they intend to nurture and love into adulthood and beyond. Regardless of the intentions, many families break up via divorce while the children are still very young. Parents, by the very nature of being parents, attempt to keep the best interests of the children in mind during this difficult time. The best interests of the children may strongly influence how they decide to parent following a divorce.
Counselors, attorneys, friends and other people influential in a couple’s lives may suggest that the most effective method of parenting following a divorce is co-parenting. Both parents retain an equal say in raising the children. The success of this goal is dependent on several factors.
The parents need to be able to communicate with the children and with each other respectfully, honestly and without any indication of animosity. Children feel the effects of divorce very deeply and if the conflict that they perceive as having caused their parents to split up continues after the divorce, they may develop issues with trust and insecurity. That is not in the best interest of the children. If parents can be amicable with each other, establish rules and guidelines they can both adhere to and agree to be respectful towards each other in all interactions where the children are involved then co-parenting may indeed be a good solution.
Marriage can be a challenge and divorce can be difficult when children are involved. Raising children is not easy. Knowing what is best at any given time, without the ability to be clairvoyant, is difficult at the best of times and all the more so when divorce enters the picture. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney in Florida may provide one with guidance needed to arrive at a solution that works for all the parties involved.