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The Impact Of Divorce On Children

If you’ve been thinking about getting a divorce yet have concerns about the impact the divorce will have on your children, you’re not alone. The majority of married couples who want to get a divorce wonder if they should stay together for the sake of the children. They’re conflicted on whether or not this would be the best decision, and not only for the children, but for themselves, as well. Because every divorce case is going to be different, you simply don’t know what’s going to happen, making it a good idea to seek divorce advice. The impact of your divorce decision could minimally effect your children, or it could potentially cause long-lasting effects.

Divorce Discussion

One of the best things you can do when you’re considering divorce is to discuss the situation with your children, keeping in mind that their age will determine the depth of the discussion. According to Robert E. Emery, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Children, Families, and the Law at the University of Virginia, children from divorced homes are simply going to have more psychological problems. Keeping an open line of communication will help them understand what’s going on, which helps them during the adjustment period.

There are ways both parents can help reduce the amount of psychological issues, which for the most part involves putting the children’s needs ahead of the parent’s needs.

How Will Divorce Effect My Children?

That depends. The impact of divorce on children can have an effect on their mental health, academic achievement, and even their overall behavior. A divorce may also affect your children on a physical level, making them more susceptible to injury, headaches, etc. But the degree to which they’ll be affected is in both parent’s control. When both parents work together in order to help manage the various stresses children of divorce go through, children are able to make the adjustment much quicker. “Being exposed to conflict and uncertainty about the future are what’s most damaging for children, not the fact of divorce itself.” Jo Edwards, chair of Resolution, an organization dedicated to the constructive resolution of family disputes.

Parenting Investigator


Married couples looking for a divorce may be assigned a Parenting Investigator when seeking a divorce in the state of North Dakota. The role of a Parenting Investigator is to focus on the best interests of the children, which for the most part centers on their ability to feel safe and secure. Both parents and all children will be required to participate in both interviews and evaluations in order for the Parenting Investigator to gather enough information to present to the court once the divorce proceedings begin. Once the Parenting Investigator gathers all of the information, you’ll receive your confidential report a minimum of 30 days before your court date. Have questions about Parenting Investigations? Contact Hankey Law now for answers.

Need Divorce Advice? Have co-parenting or Joint custody Questions?

If you currently live in or near Grand Forks, North Dakota and are looking for the best divorce advice when children are involved, be sure to call Hankey Law. All it takes is one call so we can understand what you’re going through. Once you choose us, we’ll be on your side throughout the entire divorce process. When you choose Hankey Law to represent you when seeking a divorce, our entire focus is on how we can help you and your children during this difficult time.