You might be relieved after separating from your spouse but things could be different for your child. Children are highly impressionable and can have a tough time dealing with the fact that their perfect family is no longer the same. Things can get even more complicated if your child had a very strong bond with your ex-spouse.
The first thing that you can do for your child is to make sure that all of the divorce proceedings go smoothly. It is also important to make sure that you have an amicable property division and a joint child custody, post the divorce settlement. You can do this by hiring a lawyer from a good family law firm Edmonton. An experienced lawyer will take care of all the legalities involved in your divorce procedure preventing the need for any future issues. With smart parenting strategies and guidance from a legal expert, you will be able to help your child cope with divorce comfortably.
Parenting After Separation Course
The parenting after separation course is a mandate to follow before you file a divorce application or if a judge directs you to take it. It is recommended to voluntarily take the course to understand how divorce affects your child. This 6-hour course is available in two formats – online and in person. You can either choose to attend the course in Edmonton or Calgary and register for the same on the official Alberta government website.
Be Honest with your Child
This is the tough part. It involves telling your child that you are no longer staying with your spouse. Explain to them that your separation has nothing to do with them. Sometimes, children tend to feel responsible for the divorce when they fail to get an answer for what happened. This can have a serious impact on your child’s self-esteem and cause their confidence to plummet. To avoid this, you have to make them feel loved and make them understand that you and your spouse could no longer stay together.
Have a Cordial Relationship with your Ex-spouse
Irrespective of how bitter your divorce was, it is recommended that you stay on talking terms with your ex-partner. Take your time to get over the relationship but make sure you are cordial with your spouse. Whether you like it or not, your child needs both his/her parents. You will have to coordinate with your former partner regarding the timings and days when your child will be under their supervision. In cases of joint custody, both parents get to share the responsibilities of the child.
As a single parent, you will have to provide all the love, care and support your child needs in order to bring him/her up to be a good individual.
We hope this guide will help you in dealing with your child during and after a divorce. If you are on the lookout for a good family law firm Edmonton, get in touch with our legal experts at Prowse Chowne.