Navigating the child custody process is one thing, but telling your children about the outcome of this legal process is another thing altogether. It may be very difficult to inform your children of the new custody arrangement after divorce, and this could prove to be a stressful conversation. That being said, a few simple steps could make this process easier during a divorce in Georgia.
Your Child Might Have a Say in the Process
The first thing to remember is that your child might actually have a say in the outcome of the custody process. In Georgia, some children are allowed to express their preferences in family court, and the judge may consider these preferences when making their final decision. As a result, parents may want to avoid treating their children as if they are powerless in this decision-making process – especially if they are older.
Don Not Try to Sugarcoat the Situation
Although it might seem tempting to tell your child that the custody process will be stress-free, you should avoid sugarcoating the situation. Children remember when they have been lied to, and they may hold it against you as a parent. It makes more sense to maintain a realistic, honest approach. Tell your children that the road ahead might be stressful, and prepare them for the mental health challenges to come.
Try to Project a United Front
If at all possible, discuss the custody situation alongside your ex – at least during the first conversation. This helps to create a “united front,” which may help diminish the impression of fractures within the family. Even if parents do not see eye-to-eye, they can still cooperate and remain civil in the eyes of the children. This could help ensure positive mental health outcomes for the kids.
Avoid Parental Alienation
When discussing custody with your child, avoid any form of parental alienation. This is when one parent bad-mouths the other parent – and it can cause negative custody outcomes for the “offending” party. If you want to vent, do it in private. Do not post rants on social media about child custody, as this could negatively harm the child’s perception of your family.
Most Parents Get Some Form of Shared Custody
While you should avoid sugarcoating things and making impossible promises, you may want to tell your children that they will continue to spend time with both parents. In Georgia, the most common outcome is some form of shared custody – meaning both parents will have time with their children after a split. While one parent might have more time with the kids than the other, family courts strive to give children time with both.
Can a Child Custody Attorney in Georgia Help?
A child custody attorney could help make this process easier for the whole family. If you create an agreement that serves everyone’s best interests, it should be relatively easy to tell your children about the new custody plan. A child custody attorney in Georgia can help you create this plan, so get in touch with Lankford & Moore Law today to get started.
