It’s never easy to navigate a divorce. There are numerous elements to consider. If you forget to manage something, it can come back to haunt you later and could even impact you financially. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced divorce lawyer by your side to oversee your case and give you the time to prioritize what matters most: Your kids. The divorce is going to be just as hard on them, if not harder. A Kansas City divorce lawyer can help.
It’s not unusual to ask for help in your divorce. In fact, it’s highly recommended. This is likely uncharted territory for you. Getting divorced can be an emotionally devastating time for you, and you may want to take advantage of all the help you can get. You may be so focused on getting out of your marriage that you lose sight of how your kids are coping with everything. They will need your support, guidance, honesty, and presence.
Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
When you are about to face a monumental, life-changing situation like a divorce, it’s understandable to want someone in your corner who acknowledges what’s at stake for you. The legal team at Stange Law Firm can provide you with consistent support, personalized advice, and more.
Our multi-state firm has helped countless clients across the country navigate their way out of complex divorces, family disputes, and other challenging legal situations. We can help you, too.
According to information gathered by the Centers for Disease Control, Missouri has one of the highest rates of divorce in the entire country, at 2.7 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. Similarly, the marriage rate in Missouri was around 5.8 per 1,000 residents according to statistical data collected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. If you’re having trouble moving past your divorce, a local support group like The Love Collaborative can offer you help.
Protecting Your Children
As you go through your divorce, there are many things you have to keep in mind. One of the most important things is that your divorce doesn’t just affect you. It will impact your social circle, family, job performance, and, most significantly, your children. You must ensure that you take good care of yourself so that you can also take good care of your kids. A divorce is far from a single signature on a piece of paper. It’s the complete disentanglement of two lives.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide just how honest you are going to be with your kids about your divorce. While it’s recommended that you be forthcoming with your kids, you may feel like certain details will be too much for them, depending on what led to the divorce.
If your partner was unfaithful, telling your kids could destroy their faith in their other parent, who may then take legal action against you for parental alienation. Here are some tips on how to protect your kids’ feelings while being honest:
- It begins with telling your kids that you are getting divorced. Even if it’s painful and uncomfortable, it’s recommended that you and your spouse have this conversation with your kids together. Telling your children together can project a united front and make it clear that, while the marriage is ending, both of you will still be there for your children. That hasn’t changed. This can help your child trust you both equally in this trying time.
- Do what you can to remain calm while you have this conversation. That can be easier said than done, but you can’t get emotional. Your child is probably going to break first, and it’s up to you to be the strong adult, at least for right now. The conversation alone could traumatize them. Be honest, but don’t speak ill of your spouse. That could be a costly mistake.
FAQs
Q: Why Should I Be Honest With My Children About Divorce?
A: There are many reasons why you should be honest with your kids about divorce. The most important reason is trust. Above all, you want your kids to trust you implicitly, especially during a difficult life change. Children are often perceptive. They may have noticed your marriage falling apart. They may be able to tell if you are lying to them. If you aren’t honest with them about what’s happening, they may resent you for it for quite some time.
Q: How Is Custody Determined in Missouri?
A: Child custody is determined in Missouri by the family court, which is always obligated to do what’s right for the child in question. The child’s welfare is always the top priority for the court. They may even choose to ignore you and your spouse’s custody requests in order to ensure your child is protected and cared for properly. It’s likely the court will push for joint custody to ensure both parents share responsibility.
Q: Which Parent Stands a Better Chance of Getting Full Custody?
A: There is no way to automatically determine which parent has the better chance of getting full custody. In Missouri, mothers and fathers are treated as equal parents with equal responsibility for child-rearing. The court has to investigate each parent’s history with the child, including any allegations of neglect or abuse, and each parent’s financial security. Ultimately, the court will never assume one parent is the caregiver before an investigation starts.
Q: Why Should I Call a Divorce Lawyer?
A: The primary reason you should call a divorce lawyer to help you with your case is that a divorce can become unpredictable. You may not know which steps to take to protect yourself, and mistakes can be costly in a divorce. Having someone on your side who understands how the law works and can better prepare you for what’s to come can be invaluable.
Reach Out to a Lawyer Today
It’s essential to protect your children during your divorce. An experienced lawyer can help you accomplish that. At Stange Law Firm, we can provide you with everything you need to succeed in your divorce. Contact us to speak to a member of our team today.