Florida Divorce: Five Tips for Avoiding a Contentious Child Custody Battle
Divorces are very difficult and emotional in the best of circumstances, and making decisions about an emotional issue like child custody when emotions are already running high is very difficult. In this blog entry, I’m going to offer five suggestions to help keep this difficult process from becoming contentious. No one benefits from an ugly custody battle – especially your kids!
Remember that you and your spouse are both under a lot of stress.
It’s hard to have any sympathy for your spouse when you’re in the middle of a divorce, but it’s useful to remember that your spouse may be having difficulty coping too. If you try to have patience with both your own feelings and those of your spouse, it will make dealing with everything easier. Don’t hesitate to get help from friends, family, or counselors if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and give your spouse the benefit of the doubt where it seems warranted. Be willing to compromise where it seems reasonable and in the best interests of the children.
Think through the details.
What kinds of arrangements will most benefit you and your children? It’s helpful if you have plans in place that are going to make it as easy as possible for both you and your children to move forward. This will probably involve plenty of time with both parents.
Use mediation.
Mediation services during divorce proceedings can be helpful. They can be invaluable in deciding on custody arrangements and visitation and in working out what kinds of agreements will be most beneficial for everyone.
Stay calm
If everyone stays calm, it will be much easier to reach sensible decisions. Shouting matches can undo months of progress; keeping things polite and friendly is the best way to move forward.
Don’t forget to pay attention to your kids.
Sometimes you get so wrapped up in worrying about custody that you forget about the important thing: the kids. They need your attention, and it will be rejuvenating and relaxing for you to spend time with them. In the midst of all the stress of a divorce, some fun time with the children will help you keep things in perspective.
Facing divorce or child custody issues? I can help. Please contact me today!
About the Author
Vanessa Vasquez de Lara is a Miami divorce lawyer, author, and legal commentator with more than 20 years of experience helping families navigate divorce, child custody disputes, and complex family law matters throughout Florida. She is the founder and managing partner of Vasquez de Lara Law Group, one of the largest family-law-only firms serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with a team of attorneys dedicated exclusively to divorce and family law.
A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Vanessa has been recognized for her professional excellence by being named to the Super Lawyers list every year since 2016. She is also the author of the bestselling book “The Florida Man’s Guide to Getting Divorced” which provides practical insight into the legal, financial, and personal realities of divorce in Florida.
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Vanessa is frequently invited to provide legal commentary on family law issues in national media, including appearances on NBC and Univision’s Despierta América.
Beyond her legal work, Vanessa is the founder of the Ricky Supreme Scholars Foundation, created in honor of her brother who lost his life to gun violence. Through the foundation, she provides scholarships to high school students to help them pursue higher education and build brighter futures.
Connect with Vanessa:
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