2 Parenting Issues
Those who share custody may face an additional problem —having
to negotiate with the ex-spouse on such delicate issues as visitation
arrangements, child support, and discipline. There are so many emotions involved, and if you’re
not careful, you could end up using your child as a tool to try to
manipulate the situation.
What might happen: The custody
arrangements set forth in a court of law may not be what you would
prefer. If you share custody, your ex-spouse may not be as reasonable as
you would like regarding the aforementioned matters of visitation,
financial support, and so on.
3 The Effect of Divorce on You
If you are divorced, it is only to be expected
that you will experience a wide range of emotions. On the one hand, you
might still feel love for this person with whom you shared a one-flesh
bond. On the other hand, you might feel resentful over what has occurred. Many happy moments from your
marriage come to mind, and you think: ‘He used to tell me that he
couldn’t live without me. Was he always lying? Why did this happen?’”
What might happen: You may have
lingering feelings of anger and resentment over the ways in which your
spouse mistreated you. At times, loneliness may be overwhelming.
4 The Effect of Divorce on Children
Children are often the forgotten casualties on
the divorce battlefield. But what if two parents just do not get along? Many adults who are trapped in very unhappy marriages would be
surprised to learn that their children are relatively content. They
don’t care if Mom and Dad sleep in different beds as long as the family
is together.
Children are often aware of parental
conflicts, and marital tension can take a toll on their young minds and
hearts.
What might happen: Divorce
could have a devastating effect on your children, especially if you do
not encourage them to have a healthy relationship with your ex-spouse.