Minnesota Child Custody: Protecting your child from hearing too much during a divorce

by Child Custody, Divorce, Divorce in Minnesota, Family Law

Children of all ages are impacted by divorcing parents. It is difficult for all parties involved and can be especially hard on young children. It is important for the adults involved in custody disputes or divorce proceedings to remember that children need to be children, and they should not be exposed to any potential arguments that can arise from these cases. This means that the adults involved should do all they can to prevent children from overhearing negative comments about the other parent. Children should not be directly told negative statements about the other parent or the divorce in general. This can be difficult to do in the case of custody disputes since most parents think the other is at fault. Sometimes parents can be placing their child or children in the middle of a child custody case or divorce proceeding simply by saying things within earshot of them. Most parents do this unwittingly but need to consider where their children are and what they could be hearing at all times. Divorce and custody battles impact children in many ways, and care needs to be taken with anything said to them or near them.
Parents talking while kids playing with technology
The age of the children at the center of a custody dispute needs to be taken into consideration. Even the youngest children can be significantly affected by seemingly small statements. Many parents do not realize that negative comments involving the other parent can not only have a devastating impact on the children involved but can also harm the entire court case. Judges tend to favor relationships between the minor children involved and both of the parents. They are generally happy to see one parent encouraging a relationship with the other. Parents who make negative statements about the other parent to the child are most likely trying to turn the child against the other parent to gain more love, trust, and respect from them. This usually turns out negatively for the parent making the negative comments; children only get confused and angry at them rather than love and respect them more. Adults need to remember that children involved in custody disputes and divorce proceedings love both parents, and each parent should encourage a strong relationship with the other.
Dad reassuring daughter and laughing

Divorce case details should be kept out of children’s lives in child custody cases in Minnesota

Suppose inappropriate and negative statements are being made to a minor child or within earshot of a minor child. In that case, the parent could jeopardize parenting time or decision-making rights concerning that child. Oftentimes, co-parents have troubled relationships with one another and find it hard to say positive things about the other parent. When that is the case, it is best to say nothing at all. Remember the old saying, “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” The minor children’s best interests must be thought of at all times, and keeping negative comments to yourself is not only best for the children involved but is likely best for your court case.

Child custody cases can have a negative impact on the divorcing parents’ older children

In the case of older children, it can be more difficult to keep them from finding out details about the child custody or divorce case. Older children can be very insightful and often piece things together independently. When this is the case, it is best to have no direct comments made to them regarding the other parent or the court case in general. Although indirect actions and words can be seemingly innocent, they can negatively impact any pending court case as well as the mental health of the involved children. For example, an indirect, seemingly harmless action may be passing information or child support payments through an older child. While this may be done in an innocent manner, it can be bad for the child or children involved, the court case, and likely any potential relationship with the other parent. Adult matters should be kept only in the hands of the involved adults. Parenting time is another thing that can sometimes be innocently passed from one parent to an older child to give to the other parent. Sometimes it can seem like a good idea to get an older, but still minor, child’s input on parenting time, but this can be a mistake also. Find out the different types of custody arrangement and which is right for you. Parenting time needs to be figured out between the adults; children, no matter the age, should not be involved.

 

Ways to protect your children from your divorce in St. Cloud, MN

There are many ways that communication problems can jeopardize a court case, and communication problems can especially harm the minor children involved in the court case. Since children are the subject of custody disputes, it can be nearly impossible to keep them completely separate from all that can be going on in custody disputes anddivorce proceedings. Children will likely have many questions about child custody and divorce. The child must be reassured that the involved adults will work out the details of the proceedings and that they only need to worry about being children. They often feel a tremendous burden and responsibility when it comes to their parents separating, and care should be taken to be as positive as possible in these instances. It is never the child’s fault for their parents splitting up. By keeping them away from details, negative comments, and adult pressure, they can be assured that they are loved and not the reason for the dispute or separation. Please contact an experienced, trusted family law attorney for any needed legal advice regarding your current or upcoming custody dispute or divorce case. Only a lawyer familiar with the Minnesota state laws and your case can offer the best possible legal advice. To find out more, contact Attorney Kay Snyder today.

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