Divorce is hard on everyone, but it is especially hard on children. In one way, divorcing parents struggle more in the short run because despite the destructive quality of divorce, it really is a way to a better life in most cases. Adults know what is happening as well, and they know why mommy and daddy can’t live together any more. Tacoma divorce lawyers notice that children, however, almost never feel that divorce is a way to something better. Instead, they have to adjust to changes that they didn’t want and that often do not make sense to them. Most Tacoma divorce lawyers recommend that divorcing parties consider counseling for themselves and their children, depending upon the individual case.

These are also the reasons Tacoma Divorce Lawyers recommend keeping children out of the divorce process as much as possible. While parents develop feelings of animosity toward one another (justifiably sometimes, and sometimes not), it is important that children do not develop these same feelings for either parent. While it may seem impossible at first, the best approach is for both parents to commit to helping develop a positive relationship with the other parent. Tacoma divorce lawyers see cases over and over where one parent tries to gain the favor of the children by badmouthing the other parent. This is not only unfair to the other party in most cases, it can be damaging to the children to hear one person whom they love say hateful things about the other whom they deeply love. The breakdown of a family is traumatizing enough without pouring such salt on its wounds.

Tacoma divorce lawyers also point to another reason to refrain from disparaging the other parent in a divorce action: it may be against the law. Many Washington State family law parenting plans contain language forbidding this behavior. If disparaging can be proven, and if it rises to a level amounting to contempt, a judge might find you in contempt and impose sanctions. Tacoma Divorce Lawyers recommend that disparaging never get to that level, and instead, try to be positive about the other parent to your children during divorce. It may really help your children in the long run.

The Tacoma divorce lawyers at McKinley Irvin concur with this sentiment wholeheartedly. With over a hundred years of collective Washington State family law experience, our Tacoma Divorce Lawyers have seen the effects of divorce on children. While divorce is not anyone’s first choice, there are positives that must be taken throughout the process. At McKinley Irvin, our attorneys will do all they can to help you see this positive side.