California parents who are ending their marriage should be aware of the various ways in which prolonging the process can affect their children. When parents plan a divorce, it usually involves long periods of intense discussions and conflict. Conflicted feelings regarding how it will affect the children lead many parents to prolong or even suspend their plans. Nonetheless, once the decision to divorce has been made and a parent leaves, children need concrete answers as to how the divorce will affect them.
Following a separation, many parents may face new doubts. Guilt and self-blame can make even the most self-assured parent question the decision to go through with the split. This can cause conflict for the children as well as they begin to wonder whether their parents will get back together. Religious factors may also come into play for parents who have a moral objection to divorce. In other cases, social pressures may cause parents to second guess their decision.
The primary issue with a prolonged divorce is that it can be very confusing for the children involved. While they grow older, they experience no sense of closure and acceptance with regard to their parents’ marital status. They deserve to know what is happening with their lives and have the chance to settle into a new routine. While all children react differently, some are actually relieved once the matter is finalized.
Divorce can be a healthy element of closure for families that are able to prioritize the well-being of the children and move on to find a new family dynamic that works for them. A family law attorney can provide assistance to a divorcing client by negotiating a parenting plan that addresses child custody and visitation. Such a plan can let the children know that their parents will remain a big part of their lives.