When Maryland parents are considering a divorce, they might also wonder what they can do make the process less difficult for their children. They might be able to work together to help their children adjust. This would begin with choosing the right time to file for divorce. One reason that March may be the most popular month for divorce filings is that its long stretch of school days means that parents can take care of divorce-related meetings while their children are in class. However, parents who do not want their children to have to cope with the adjustment during the school year may opt for summer when they might be able to spend more time with them.
Parents can also work together to explain the divorce to their children. This includes allowing plenty of time for children to ask questions. Children might need reassurance that their parents love them and that they are secure. A temporary custody and support order might be necessary. Parents may also decide that they can live together until the divorce is final or that they can take turns living in the house with their children.
It is important for parents to avoid conflict in front of the children. This includes not talking negatively about the other parent or oversharing about the divorce.
The emotional difficulty of divorce can result in even well-meaning parents losing sight of what is in the best interests of the child. The idea of spending less time with their children can be painful, but unless there are serious issues with the other parent such as abuse or addiction, children benefit from spending time with both parents. Parents might agree on joint legal and physical custody or one may have primary physical custody. An attorney can often help a client with the negotiations of a parenting plan that covers these and other issues.