As an adult child of divorce, I’ve realized that there are specific principles that can earn a divorced dad the appropriate to hold mother, her lawyer, custody assessors/evaluators, Family Court Judges, Appeal Courts and Politicians accountable to the appropriate standard.
I call this Divorce 101. Following these principles will guarantee that “the most beneficial interests of the child”, your child, are being met in Family Court. Yet, dads should first hold themselves accountable to these exact same standards and principles.
When a family unit ends due to divorce, the “Initial Principle” is the Four Stages of Coping: denial, anger, grieving and acceptance. Acceptance means acknowledging the loss and being able to move on
Second, Communication is key. This entails learning how to comprehend and express the emotional pain of divorce with out resorting to aggression or violence.
Third, Education is important. Believe solutions exist and you will start to see them. Books, tapes, experts, assist groups, self-aid resources offer Suggestions. Learn what to do and not do to stay away from losing contact with your kids.
For example, never leave the property with out a separation agreement or court order that clearly spells out legal and physical custody of your kids, detailing the parenting arrangements in particular terms. In a large number of locations, leaving the residence gives the other parent custody until there is an official separation agreement or court order.
Fourth, expand your Negotiation Abilities. Most persons rely on one or two negotiating techniques. Lengthy just before the family court dates, a divorced dad wants to study, learn and apply the abilities needed to negotiate. Boost your negotiation possibilities, and you will be closer to a creative win/win solution.
The Fifth Principle is Mediation. A professional mediator can assist when the lines of communication break down. Attend sessions, even by your self, to Boost your communication. Use this as evidence of your commitment to your youngsters. Instead of complaining about your ex-wife, give evidence of your capability to persevere and learn all you can to support your youngsters.
Sixth is the procedure of Enrichment. Consult a child psychologist to help with a parenting plan created to heal your child from the impact of the divorce. They can also evaluate your parenting and co-parenting strengths and weaknesses, and give expert testimony on these essential areas of parental fitness.
Seventh, Litigation is an absolute last resort. If you have taken the time to methodically work by means of these previous actions, you can establish that you have the abilities and the willingness to work things out for an optimal outcome for your kids, and that your wife is engaging in an attempt to thwart your role as Dad.
Most importantly, don’t feel overly discouraged or overwhelmed. Each journey begins with one step. By reading this, you’ve taken that step. There are lots of extra things you will need to have to take as you learn how to plan for your separation and divorce. But with thought and planning, you can save your self time, dollars and undue emotional suffering.
Throughout my divorce, I wished for a divorce roadmap. That’s why we designed a weekly telewebcast, to assist men like your self.
If you’ve lost in Family Court, do not give up. There is normally hope. You’ve likely lost for the reason that you didn’t comprehend that winning requires successfully “waging peace” for your youngsters.
If you base your game plan and techniques upon those of successful fathers, you will boost your chances of success immeasurably. You want support from dads who have carried out what you are attempting to do.
And of course you realize that this article is not intended for legal guidance, nor is it a substitute for legal guidance. If you are in Family Court and need to have legal guidance, please see a family law lawyer in your area.


