Maryland parents who choose to get a divorce will still need to find a way to raise their children together. Doing so can help the children understand that they are loved and cared for regardless of how their parents feel about each other. Furthermore, when parents work together, it shows the child how to effectively solve problems. Ultimately, both the parents and the children will likely feel less stress throughout and after the divorce process.
A parent should acknowledge and advocate for the child’s relationship with the other parent. The only exception would be if the other parent is abusive or would otherwise put the child’s health or safety in jeopardy. Generally speaking, this means putting aside feelings for a former spouse and understanding that a child does better with both parents in his or her life. Those who are struggling to cope during a divorce should not lash out at their former spouse or put their child in the middle of a dispute.
Instead, they should seek out a therapist or find a friend to vent their feelings to. Working together with the child’s other parent can also be easier by creating a parenting plan. It should specify the role that each person plays in a child’s life and how parents will communicate with other about their children/
The best interests of the child generally take top priority in a divorce. This may mean that both parents have custody or other rights to the child regardless of how they feel about each other. An attorney may be able to help create a parenting plan or otherwise help a parent obtain rights to his or her child. In some cases, custody matters may be resolved through mediation as opposed to through a formal trial.