Parents who are going through a divorce experience a wide range of emotions. Some take their anger and hurt out on the other spouse and put their kids in the middle. However, this can have a lasting impact on the children. Here, the divorce lawyers at Vernau Law LLC in Granville, OH, explain how dueling spouses sometimes use children as pawns in their war against each other and why they need to avoid this behavior. 

Reasons Not to Involve Children in Your Divorce Proceedings

Divided Loyalty Creates Anxiety

Children sometimes develop anxiety when forced to choose between loyalty to one parent or the other. They should be free to demonstrate their love for both parents. If you believe the other spouse is not legally fit to spend time with their children, then discuss the issue with your divorce lawyer and handle the matter in court. Otherwise, you should let the children develop their own relationships with their other parent.

Using Children as Messengers Is Unfair

Requiring your children to deliver messages to your ex-spouse is unfair to them. You are an adult and should communicate with your ex in a mature way. If there is something you need to say to the other parent, then schedule a time to have the conversation when the kids won’t be present.   

Refusing to Cooperate Hurts Children

There may be times to oppose the other spouse’s requests regarding child custody, visitation, or parenting matters, such as when your child’s safety, health, or security is at risk. However, to refuse to cooperate with reasonable requests out of lingering spite or anger against your ex-spouse hurts the children. Experienced divorce lawyers know that a pattern of this behavior backfires and will damage your relationship with your children.

The legal team at Vernau Law LLC in Granville, OH, offers skilled and compassionate representation in divorce cases. Backed by 25 years of experience, they guide parents and help them protect their children through this difficult process. Seek the counsel of a dynamic divorce lawyer by calling (740) 587-2637 today. For more information about the firm’s services, visit their website.