Divorce With Children

Don’t put adult decisions on the child’s shoulders. How much a child understands about the break-up of the family depends on the child’s age and awareness, but never assume the child is protected merely because you think your little one can’t hear the arguments or see the tension in your face when you are talking to or talking about the other parent. Sitting down an 8-year-old and asking “who do you want to live with – me or him/her?” is simply cruel. Asking the same question of a 12 or 14-year-old is also not fair because it’s equivalent to requiring a child to make adult decisions. The older the child, the more input he should have in how to live his own life, but if a teenager were truly capable of living on his own and making adult decisions, then he would do it. You are both still the parents, so act like a mature, responsible one.

Don’t make the children the messenger. If child support is late, don’t tell your child to ask Daddy for the money. Don’t tell the child, “I wish I could buy you that new Xbox game, but your Mother didn’t pay me child support this month, so I can’t afford it.” Also, don’t have the child ask the other parent to change the visitation schedule. For example, if you have a family wedding you want to go to that’s not during your regularly scheduled time, don’t tell your daughter she can be the flower girl first and then have her ask her father if it’s okay to go to the wedding on a day he’s scheduled to have her. That’s setting up both your daughter and her father for disappointment and conflict.

Don’t put down your ex to the children. Very young children see themselves as extensions of their parents. When you attack or belittle the other parent, you’re essentially attacking or belittling your own child. Saying things like, “I didn’t break up our family. Your Daddy did that all by himself because he’s such a jerk and he’s the one who cheated on me” only makes your child want to defend Daddy. No child wants to believe his or her own parent is a jerk or a cheater, even if it is true. The child may think, “If Daddy is so bad, then I must be, too.” Divorce is one instance where, if you can’t say something positive, then say nothing at all.

To speak with an experienced Albuquerque divorce attorney at NM Divorce & Custody Law, LLC, give us a call at (505) 431-4716 or contact us online today.

Commonly Asked Questions About Divorce In Albuquerque 

How can I minimize the emotional impact of divorce on my children?

Divorce can be a challenging time for children, but steps can be taken to ease their emotional burden. Keep their routines as consistent as possible, maintaining stability in school, extracurricular activities, and social connections. Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent, as children often internalize these comments. Offer reassurance that the divorce is not their fault and that they are deeply loved. Encourage open communication and ensure they feel supported. Providing a nurturing environment helps children navigate this transition more smoothly.

Can my child decide which parent to live with?

While children’s preferences may be considered in custody decisions, the court prioritizes the child’s best interests. In New Mexico, a judge may weigh the child’s age, maturity, and reasoning behind their preference, but these are just one aspect of the overall evaluation. The court also considers factors such as the stability each parent can provide and the existing parent-child relationship. Legal guidance can help ensure custody arrangements align with the child’s well-being and family dynamics.

How should co-parenting communication be handled during a divorce?

Effective co-parenting requires respectful and direct communication between parents. Avoid using children as intermediaries to convey messages or schedule changes. Keep discussions about finances, legal matters, or disagreements away from the children. Instead, focus on creating a collaborative environment that centers on the child’s needs. Utilizing tools like shared calendars or co-parenting apps can help streamline communication while reducing conflict. Maintaining a civil relationship with your co-parent can significantly benefit your child’s emotional health during this transition.

What should I do if my child shows signs of emotional distress during the divorce?

Children may exhibit signs of emotional distress, such as withdrawing, acting out, or becoming clingy. If this happens, it’s important to address their feelings with compassion. Engage in open conversations, encouraging them to express their emotions without fear of judgment. Seeking professional support from a child therapist or counselor can provide them with a safe space to navigate their feelings. Regularly monitor their behavior and communicate with teachers or caregivers to identify changes. Prioritizing your child’s mental health is key during this challenging period.