In spite of the best intentions of their parents, children often get dragged into the middle during a divorce. Even New Mexico couples that go out of their way to avoid arguing in front of children frequently involve their kids in disputes in other ways, such as using their children to communicate or saying negative things about their spouse to them. Since the result of involving kids is rarely ever beneficial, individuals should strive to shield them from fallout related to a divorce.

One way that parents can reduce the impact on children is to take advantage of divorce mediation. While people are still able to use attorneys to provide them with information and help protect their rights, mediated divorces tend to be less contentious and avoid the courtroom. These types of divorces involve the couple and their representatives hashing out the details of a divorce over a series of negotiations.

Along with frequently involving fewer disputes, mediated divorces also give a couple control of determining how a divorce will be determined, whereas in litigated divorces the court usually decides issues of child support, asset division and related matters. These divorces tend to be shorter and less expensive than than litigated ones as well. This can result in less strain on a household in terms of time and money, both of which are beneficial to children.

Child custody battles often result from a divorce, and they are major issues where kids can get dragged in the middle. While these situations can be contentious, understanding someone’s rights and how the law works can aid individuals in being able to reach an amicable resolution after a marriage ends.

Source: Huffington Post, “5 Ways to Protect Children During Divorce“, Deborah Anderson Bialis, November 25, 2013