Deciding whether to uncontested divorce your spouse is one of the hardest decisions a person can make. No one makes this choice lightly, especially when there are children involved. Research shows that uncontested divorce can have a negative impact on a child’s mental and physical health.
Uncontested Divorce is a painful experience for everyone, especially kids. Depending on their ages, children of uncontested divorce can experience intense bouts of rage, depression, anxiety and confusion. Their sleep patterns and attention span may be negatively affected which can impact their mood and ability to concentrate in school. They may turn to unhealthy or risky behaviors such as electronics, processed food or illegal substances to soothe themselves. For these reasons and more, identifying a nonviolent, cooperative approach to dissolving your marriage is ideal.
Ways mediation can help you support your children’s well-being
As opposed to going to court, mediation happens in a more informal, less expensive way. Parties meet and discuss their concerns and goals with the support of their legal teams until they come to an agreement. While there are opportunities for each to express frustrations, both parties will be expected to act in a respectful manner. When parents keep their emotions in check, they can make decisions that center around their children’s needs.
The truth is, even though there is an irreconcilable issue in your marriage, you both want what is best for your children as well as what is best for you. Coming to the table with this mindset is a crucial support to your kids as they navigate all the big changes in their lives.
When faced with this difficult decision, it’s helpful to remember that we always have choices. While the choice to separate from your spouse may be a necessary one, there are ways to reduce the negative impact on your children. Mediation offers a less traumatic process for uncontested divorce by providing space for healthy dialogue. Having a supportive legal team to guide you can make a world of difference.