When couples divorce in Houston, or anywhere else for that matter, it can be easy for them to forget that their case is in a court of family law. In other words, there are usually more people involved in their case than just the two of them, most importantly their children. Parents in a family can become so consumed with their own issues that they sometimes fail to notice that the drama being played out in a court of family law is impacting their children in some very serious ways.
Psychologists have discovered that there are five issues that children under 10 routinely discuss in therapy and support groups even when they may not have brought them up in a family setting: they want the fighting to stop; they do not like feeling caught in the middle; they feel as though the family is falling apart and it is their fault; they worry that their parents will leave them too, just like they are leaving each other; and, they want everything to go back to the way it was. The experts have also found that one sit down “family talk” will not take care of these issues. They are ongoing concerns and require constant reassurance and reaffirmation from both parents.
One of the reasons that consulting with an attorney who specializes in family law can be so helpful is that the attorney can help a parent who is totally absorbed in the personal issues surrounding the divorce to focus more fully on what serves the best interests of the family. If one parent is being unreasonable regarding division of assets or custody matters, a judge in a family law court is always going to attempt to rule based on what is in everyone’s best interests. It is better to reach that point with the help of your family law attorney, than to feel as if you were forced into it by the ruling judge.
There is no doubt that family law cases can be a messy business, and it is likely that your children will suffer to one degree or another from your divorce. However, you can minimize the effect your divorce has on them by relying on your family law attorney for counsel and advice. Remaining firm in your commitment to always act in the best interests of your children may require the unbiased, detached perspective of an experienced Houston family law attorney, at times. If you live in the Houston area and are considering divorce, talk with a family law attorney today about how to best protect your children throughout the divorce and custody processes and beyond.
Cothrun & Lucido Family Law Firm is a full-service Houston family law firm. Attorneys Sherri Cothrun and Rita Lucido have been devoted exclusively to the practice of family law since 1997 for Harris County residents, as well as residents of surrounding counties. Call 713.527.0511 or 713.228.2868 to schedule a consultation or visit http://www.cothrunlucido.com/index.html for more information.
