One of the biggest concerns when terminating a marriage is the effect it will have on the younger members of the family. In cases where a relationship ends on hostile terms, it can be especially devastating for children to cope with. This is why the family law attorneys at O’Connor, Mikita & Davidson in Cincinnati, OH, stress the importance of parents doing what they can to provide a buffer between their kids and marital conflict. Below, they share a few steps you can take to protect your children if you’re going through a divorce of your own. 

How to Shield Your Children From a Messy Divorce

1. Attempt to Agree on a Divorce Settlement 

Regardless of how you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse feel about each other, it’s in the best interests of the children to try and reach an agreement on your divorce settlement outside of the courtroom. This is likely to expedite the process of ending your marriage, which will reduce the amount of time your kids are subjected to a combative environment. Going through mediation or taking a collaborative approach will allow your children to move more quickly and calmly into their new home life.

2. Keep Them Out of the Drama 

The worst thing you can do for your children is involve them in the drama between you and your spouse. It’s vital to keep them out of the middle so that they never feel like they have to choose sides. Don’t use them as a messenger to relay any information to the other parent, refrain from criticizing your spouse in front of them, and don’t expose them to your arguments. Aside from making the circumstances more difficult on your kids, family law attorneys advise that any of these actions can make it more challenging to win a custody case. 

3. Avoid Unnecessary Life Disruptions 

The less you disrupt the lives of your children throughout the divorce process, the better they can handle the situation. Kids need consistency to feel safe and stable, particularly in the midst of a traumatic event. If possible, don’t remove them from the home, neighborhood, or school they’re used to, and make sure to keep daily routines the same. If moving is imminent, make an effort to stay in touch with old friends as much as you can. 

While being open and honest with your children will help them better understand why their family is splitting up, it’s best to keep them away from the turmoil of the situation. In addition, it’s essential to work with a family law attorney who can provide the support and guidance you need to make a smooth transition into the next chapter of life. The team at O’Connor, Mikita & Davidson has extensive knowledge of laws and will ensure your rights are protected as you work through the various legal issues that come up during divorce. Call (513) 793-5297 today or visit their website to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney.