We’re almost into the summer months, a time for parents of minor children to reassess what’s working in their families and what is not. For some couples, what’s not working may be the marriage itself.
Recent studies have shown that summertime is considered a good time to file a divorce petition and/or custody action.
Why is now a good time?
It comes as a natural break in the school year, a premise some parents use to initiate their divorce. Perhaps the writing has even been on the wall for months that the marriage is essentially propped up on life support.
Parents may find that the summer months are a good time to hit reset on their familial status and file for divorce now because they allow children to have time to adjust to the new rhythms in the family unit before the school year rolls around again next fall.
Use this time wisely
If this is a situation with which your family is dealing, the following tips may help you navigate these changes with your kids.
- Arrange for counseling when necessary. Both you and your children may need the boost that therapy can give when life destabilizes your best intentions.
- A vacation may be in the works. Taking the kids away on a summer vacation could be just the thing they need to transition into a new routine.
- Reassure them that they are loved equally by both parents. Regardless of your own feelings, don’t poison the children’s relationship with their other parent.
The latter may be the hardest of all. But no good can come from negative talk about your soon-to-be ex-spouse. In fact, New Jersey family law courts take serious actions against the bad-mouthing parent — including challenges to custody.