If you asked five different people, “Should we stay together for the kids?” you’d get five different answers. The hard truth is that what’s right for one couple is the worst possible thing that another couple could do—so how do you know if staying together for the kids is the best choice for your family? Do you need to consult with a Durham divorce lawyer to find out, or should you just rely on your friends and family or your gut feelings?
Talking to a Durham Divorce Lawyer: What Won’t Happen
If you decide to get professional advice from a Durham divorce lawyer, you’re not committed to getting a divorce. All you’re doing is exploring your options.
Your attorney probably won’t sugarcoat anything, so be prepared to hear the truth.
Talking to a Durham Divorce Lawyer: What Will Happen
When you talk to an attorney, you’ll be able to find out what your custody arrangements might look like, whether you’ll be entitled to receive or have to pay alimony, and what could happen to all the property you accumulated during your marriage.
So… Should We Stay Together for the Kids?
Some couples feel like it’s better to pretend they’re happy and go through the motions of married life because they believe it’s best for their children. Others feel like kids are too attuned to their parents’ emotional states to miss obvious dissatisfaction within a marriage. Many couples factor in their kids’ ages when they decide whether to stay together.
Psychologists suggest that kids grow up healthier when they’re raised in emotionally nurturing environments, where both parents aren’t consumed by stress, frustration and anger. While that doesn’t sound like much of an answer, it’s a springboard to help you determine whether what you’re doing is really in your children’s best interests.
When to Go Your Separate Ways
If domestic violence is an issue in your home, it’s generally more harmful for your kids if you stay. Your Durham divorce lawyer can give you specific guidance and point you toward helpful resources, including a referral to a local therapist or counselor with experience that can benefit your whole family.
