Divorce is difficult for every member of the family, but it can be especially difficult for the children. It’s a big change when they have to go between separate homes and spend time with a different parent on different days. This is why many Virginia parents are able to negotiate a child custody arrangement that allows the child equitable time with both of them. However, child custody is not always easy to resolve, and the result can be a very contentious divorce.
Some divorce experts report in seeing a sharp increase in the number of divorces that are highly contentious. In many cases, the fighting and desire to win comes from the need to get the last laugh, get revenge or act on hard feelings. While it’s normal to feel these things during divorce, it is almost always in the best interests of the children when parents can set aside these things temporarily and focus on their needs first.
There are also complex cases in which one or both parents are dealing with mental health issues, or the kids are struggling with anxiety or depression. It is not always easy to see what would be best, and sometimes parents battle it out in front of their kids or on social media. Fighting rarely accomplishes anything productive, and it can unnecessarily prolong the divorce process.
Child custody is about what is best for the child. A Virginia parent considering his or her legal options may want to discuss this sensitive issue with an experienced attorney. The terms of a custody order matter, and it is important to consider the long-term impact of choices before agreeing to anything permanent.
