One major no-no in a Florida divorce case in which the parties have minor children is to “bring the children into the divorce process.  “Bringing the children into the divorce” means that the parties discuss matters related to the impending divorce case either directly to the children or in front of the children.  It also takes into consideration the act of questioning the children about what they do when they spend time with the other parent or using the children to pass verbal messages to the other parent.  It is much disfavored to bring children into the divorce process by Florida Family Law Judges and Divorce Attorneys.

At New Horizons Law, P.A., Michael J. Costantino, Esq. we work hard to educate clients why it is so very important to keep their children out of the divorce process.

Parents who truly have their children’s emotional and physical well-being in mind will often attempt to do an uncontested divorce because it is easier on their children.  It should be obvious that in an uncontested divorce, the parents are able to sit down and civilly discuss and agree on the parenting issues that are the most important to each of them.

As opposed to a contested divorce where the Florida Family Law Judge determines the parties ongoing, summer and holiday time-sharing; medical and educational issues; extracurricular activities; and how the parties exchange the children; in an uncontested divorce setting New Horizons Law, P.A., Michael J. Costantino, Esq. can assist you helping you draft a Parenting Plan which takes into consideration what is truly in the best interest of the children.

It is New Horizons Law, P.A., Michael J. Costantino, Esq.’s experience that not only does the uncontested divorce process is shorter; it is also less stressful for the children because the children hopefully don’t have to listen to one or both parents speak badly of the other in an attempt to influence them on time-sharing schedules and other issues.

Children are usually confused during a divorce because they have questions about where and how they are going to live once a Florida Family Law Judge grants a divorce; so parents should make every attempt to shield them from the divorce process.

However, when a divorce is contested, New Horizons Law, P.A., Michael J. Costantino, Esq. has found that parents not only treat each other in a disrespectful manner, but some parents also intentionally bring their children into the divorce process – and many parents don’t truly understand the negative impact that this can have on children.  Depending on the age of the children, New Horizons Law, P.A., Michael J. Costantino, Esq. has found that this type of behavior can create a need for the child(ren) to receive counseling – both during and after the divorce.  It also can result in animosity by the children against one or both parents.

The bottom line is that parents should make their children immune from divorce related issues.  Everyone will be better off in the long run.  With the assistance of New Horizons Law, P.A., Michael J. Costantino, Esq., you can hopefully obtain a parenting plan that is in the best interest of your children’s emotional and physical well-being.