If you are a parent facing separation or divorce from your partner, you are likely to be worried about the impact of divorce on your children. As an experienced divorce lawyer Leicester based, I understand that you will have many questions about divorce and your children. Here are 3 of the most frequently asked questions…
1. What should I do first to protect me and my children during divorce?
In the first instance, you should seek legal advice. Divorce is a sensitive and challenging matter, with plenty to resolve, especially when children are involved. As experienced Leicester divorce lawyers, Holland Family Law (HFL) will support and advise you on all family matters that involve children.
I work with you to find a resolution for common disputes such as where a child will live (often referred to as ‘residence’ or ‘custody’) and the time each parent spends with their children (commonly referred to as ‘contact’ or ‘access’). We can help you to reach an agreement without the need for costly, confrontational court proceedings.
2. What happens if parents do not agree about arrangements for the children?
Divorce Lawyer Leicester | Get help to resolve disputes involving arrangements for your children.
In the majority of divorce cases – even after separation – the parents determine how much time the children with spend with each of them. Obviously, the ideal outcome is for parents to come to an agreement. After all, you know what is best for your children.
As a divorce lawyer Leicester based, I can help parents reach an agreement between themselves or through mediation. However, in the event that parents cannot agree, there is no alternative but to refer the case to a judge to make a decision regarding the arrangements for your children.
Prior to making an application to court, HFL will explain the need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Courts are required to know that mediation has been considered before a case is escalated to the next level.
If mediation fails, HFL can help to file a court application for a Child Arrangement Order, with a view to helping you settle disputes concerning a child’s education, religion, name, and with whom they should live.
3. How will my children be feeling during divorce?
Divorce Lawyer Leicester | Divorce hits children hard, whether they show their feelings or not.
Divorce and separation affects children in different ways, but you need to accept that your children will be feeling a range of emotions. The most common include:
- Bewilderment
- Loneliness
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Anger
Many children will feel responsible for the difficulties faced by their parents. Equally, they may be uncertain about whether a separation is temporary or final, which is likely to add to the confusion they’re feeling. It’s common for younger children to cling to the possibility that their parents might reconcile.
What’s important to understand is that children might not outwardly express any of these feelings and will say different things to each parent, depending on what they think each parent wants to hear. It’s vital not to underestimate what your children are feeling during the difficulty of divorce.
