While divorce can negatively impact all involved parties, children are often the most vulnerable. They also have little to no control over their situation, and that can lead to all sorts of problems later on down the line, such as social isolation, emotional or behavioral issues, and poor academic performance. Yet, when done under the right circumstances, with the child's best interests in mind, divorce can sometimes benefit children. In the following sections, you can learn more on how to effectively balance your child's best interests against your own needs to achieve the latter situation.

Is Divorce Bad for Kids? 

For decades, parents were led to believe that divorce is inherently “bad” for children. Yet, as time passes, research shows it is not necessarily the divorce process that negatively impacts children, so much as it is their home environment.

Researchers of a monumental study came to this conclusion after following groups of children whose parents fought frequently (children who started out in tumultuous home environments). Some of those marriages ended in divorce. Others stayed together. Interestingly enough, it was the children from divorced homes that fared better in this study. Similar results have been found in other scenarios, such as marriages that involve an element of domestic violence. In short, children do not always suffer from divorce, at least not long-term - but when married parents are miserable and unhappy, children may actually benefit more from a separation or divorce.

Balancing Your Wants Against Your Child's Best Interests in Divorce

Of course, not all marriages are quite as conflict-ridden as those in the previously mentioned study. In fact, more and more parents these days are striving for an amicable end to their union. How does this affect children, and how can parents balance their own wants against the needs and best interests of their child?

The answer may not be entirely straightforward, but it is clear: Parents are encouraged to carefully consider their child's bond with each parent, how living in either home might impact their life, and how often their child may be capable of moving from one home to the next. In short, you really have to take yourself out of the equation.

Try to remember that your chid loves both of his or her parents, and that more and more studies are showing that children actually benefit most when they have ample time with both parents (so long as the relationship is a safe and healthy one). As such, Illinois and several other states are now considering bills that propose a 50-50 parenting time split as the starting point in a divorce.

Getting the Parenting Time You Deserve Now

Until the bill in Illinois is either passed or rejected, divorcing fathers must continue to fight for their right to equal time with their child. In fact, studies have shown that this state is one of the worst for fathers when it comes to court-ordered parenting time determinations. Thankfully, with skilled and aggressive legal counsel during the divorce process, fathers can increase their chances of getting the parenting time that they so rightfully deserve.

Contact Our Joliet Parenting Time Attorneys 

With over 60 years of experience, the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. can help you reach a fair parenting time determination in your divorce. Our seasoned Joliet divorce lawyers also know how critical protection can be for divorcing domestic violence victims and their children, and we skillfully and compassionately assist them as they navigate through the complex legal processes that may be necessary in their divorce. Whatever your needs, you can trust that our firm will strive to meet them with professionalism and empathy. Call 815-666-1285 today.

Sources:

https://www.livescience.com/6648-divorce-bad-kids.html

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/barrington/community/chi-ugc-article-proposed-5050-visitation-bill-a-court-enfor-2018-04-17-story.html

https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/parenting/ct-life-divorced-dad-custody-study-20180606-story.html

Despite all the changes to divorce and structural changes to the American family, statistics indicate that mothers still tend to receive more parenting time with their children when the courts get involved. Unfortunately, studies suggest this could negatively affect children. In fact, one recent study found that children often fare better when their parents have near equal parenting time allotments. Learn more about how you can protect your child's best interests in a divorce case, and how an experienced divorce lawyer can help.

A Closer Look at the Study

Published in the Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, the recent study examined the stress level of 800 children from Sweden who had either one parent in their life or both. The results of the two groups were then compared. Overall, researchers determined that children experienced several bouts of stress throughout the week when they were deprived of one parent. In contrast, the children who had time with both parents reported less stress than their peers.

Why Obtaining Equal Parenting Time is Difficult

Although the courts do know that fathers are just as important as mothers in the lives of children, there are fears and concerns that split parenting time could lead to an unstable living environment. The child, who must go from one parent's house to the other, might even struggle with school and social settings, experts say. However, the authors of the recent study say that most of these fears and concerns are theoretical, not based on actual research. As such, courts should start reconsidering how they allocate parental responsibilities and award parenting time in divorce and family law cases.

Protecting the Best Interests of Your Child in Divorce

Because the courts still tend to favor mothers when divorces are litigated, parents are encouraged to negotiate a parenting time agreement that works in the best interests of their child(ren). Sadly, this can be quite difficult in contentious cases, but even amicable divorces can have their challenges. Get the assistance and protection that you and your child deserve; seek help from an experienced family law attorney during your Illinois divorce.

Contact Our Joliet Family Law Attorneys

Backed by more than 60 years of experience, the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. is the firm to remember for your divorce. Our Joliet family law attorneys will aggressively protect the best interests of your child and your parental rights. Start by scheduling a personalized consultation. Call our offices at 815-666-1285 today.

Source:

http://www.newser.com/story/247954/kids-do-better-under-shared-not-sole-custody.html