You’re getting divorced. Your world as you know it is ending. The same goes for your kids. A million questions are running through your mind. Will you be ok? Will your kids be ok? Does divorce make you a bad parent?
The answer is no!
For parents who are considering divorce, one of the main concerns is the children. But it’s important to understand that you – the parent – aren’t a failure as a mother or father due to a broken relationship with a spouse.
“When we initially meet with our family law clients, we explain that everything we do at WBW, and even the goal of the court, is in the best interest of the children,” says Leslie Akridge, family law paralegal at Whitehurst, Blackburn & Warren. “Sometimes, when parents aren’t getting along, it’s just not in the best interest of the children for the parents to stay together.”
So that means a speedy break is key, right?
“Actually, the one thing about divorce is that in spite of your desire to move on quickly, time is your best friend for any family law case,” Akridge explains.
Even though your gut may be telling you that the process needs to be swift, it’s important to remember that the pace isn’t what heals the pain. Akridge encourages parents to “trust that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Things will get better. It’s just not immediate.”
And every divorce is 100% unique. You have different children, assets, income, and circumstances. WBW paralegal Krista Shiver says, “Unfortunately, there is no standard timeline. While you can confide in friends and family who may have gone through a divorce, you can’t apply someone else’s divorce timeline to your experience.”
Even so, there are ways to ensure your divorce proceedings run smoothly.
“Our team likes to say ‘you catch more flies with honey than vinegar,’” says Shiver. “Basically, how civil can you be? The more uncivil and uncompromising, the longer the process.”
It will also help to put your mind and heart at ease by working with an experienced legal team you can trust. Yes, children will always be upset about divorce. But remember, children are resilient, and time is your friend.
And divorce does not make you a bad parent.
For legal support regarding divorce, call and schedule a free consultation with the Whitehurst, Blackburn & Warren team at 229-226-2161.