Stepping Up Your Parenting: Focusing on Kids’ Needs During Divorce

Stepping Up Your Parenting: Focusing on Kids’ Needs During Divorce

At Edgar & Dow, we have spent decades guiding families through custody and visitation matters with care, precision, and a deep commitment to protecting children’s well-being. As recognized leaders in family law, we believe that focusing on children’s needs during divorce leads to healthier transitions and better outcomes for the entire family.

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) consulted custody experts nationwide to compile key recommendations for parents navigating separation and divorce. Below are the essential insights from these professionals—principles that we at Edgar & Dow have long advocated for in our own practice.

1. Accept Your Lifelong Parental Connection

Regardless of your differences, your shared love for your children is permanent. Successful co-parenting means committing to a respectful and cooperative relationship for their sake.

2. Encourage Each Child’s Relationship with Both Parents

Children benefit most when they maintain a strong bond with both parents. Support your child’s connection with the other parent by highlighting their positive qualities and the value they bring to your child’s life.

3. Clearly Define Roles and Responsibilities

Establishing clear expectations for both parents, including overlapping duties, helps ensure stability and consistency for your children.

4. Prioritize Your Child’s Needs Over Personal Disputes

While divorce is emotionally difficult, children should never be caught in the middle. Remember that while you are divorcing, your child is not divorcing either of you. They deserve a loving, healthy relationship with both parents.

5. Approach Co-Parenting Like a Business Partnership

Think of post-divorce parenting as running a company where you both have an equal investment in its success. Coordination, communication, and professionalism lead to better results for your children.

6. Educate Yourself on Custody Laws

Understanding terms like legal custody, physical custody, primary caretaker, and parenting time under your state’s laws will help you navigate the process with greater clarity.

7. Understand Custody Evaluations and Confidentiality Limits

Custody evaluators gather information from parents, children, and collateral sources such as therapists. Speak with your attorney to understand who will receive the evaluation and what measures can be taken to protect your family’s privacy.

8. Prepare Your Children for Custody Evaluations

If your child participates in an evaluation, provide age-appropriate explanations of what to expect. Reassure them that this process is about helping parents make the best decisions for the family, and that they are not responsible for the outcome.

9. Be Aware of the Time, Energy, and Cost of Custody Evaluations

Custody evaluations require a significant investment of time and resources. Before pursuing one, consult with your attorney to determine if it aligns with your family’s needs.

10. Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution

Many custody disputes can be resolved outside of a full custody evaluation. Mediation, structured parenting agreements, or more focused evaluations can often provide solutions that benefit everyone involved.

Trust the Experts at Edgar & Dow

With decades of experience handling custody and visitation matters, Edgar & Dow is here to help you make informed decisions that protect your children and preserve their well-being. If you are facing a custody dispute, our skilled attorneys can guide you through the process and help you find the best resolution for your family.

For expert legal counsel in custody and visitation matters, contact Edgar & Dow today at 951-684-6885 or visit edgarfamilylaw.com.