Punta Gorda Family Law Blog

Divorce is a difficult and emotionally challenging process, especially for the younger members of the family. Florida parents understand how important it is to provide stability and security, even long after the process is final. One way to do this is by co-parenting, which requires parents to share responsibilities and allows the children to have regular access to both of them. 

One of the most critical elements to ensuring that co-parenting works well is to maintain mutual respect. Post-divorce parenting will work much better when both parties are keeping the interests of the kids first. Another thing that can be helpful is to review all plans and custody procedures. A thorough review can reveal where there are areas that could lead to complications down the road and where changes could be better for both the parents and the kids. 

It's not easy to get through the process of ending a marriage. The choices that a person makes now will affect him or her for years to come, and it's smart to think carefully before agreeing to a financial or property division settlement. One of the ways that a person can secure his or her future financial interests is to keep a handle on finances during the divorce process. 

It's expensive to get divorced. Between the cost of moving, separating finances and legal fees, it can lead to significant financial adjustments. One practical money management tip during this time is to make a budget and stick to it. It is likely that a person will have an adjustment in lifestyle and spending, A spending plan can help a Florida reader adjust to post-divorce income and expenses. It is also smart to check credit scores and monitor the scores during the divorce.

Children may struggle when their parents decide to move forward with divorce. Everything about their lives will change, and Florida parents want to do as much as possible to protect their interests and mental well-being during this time. While there are likely disputes and issues to resolve, parents will find it optimal for the kids to make child custody and other related decisions with the best interests of the kids in mind. 

Kids deal with difficult things in different ways. A parent may not be certain how his or her kids will navigate divorce, but it can be helpful to provide them with as much continuity of lifestyle as possible. This may mean allowing them to stay in the same school and keep the same schedule as much as possible. To make this happen, parents may have to set aside their own desires for the benefit of the children. 

With divorce such a common way of life, many people have chosen not to marry. According to the United States Census Bureau, marital rates are decreasing among young adults, whereas cohabitation rates are increasing. Reasons are numerous, from changes in social expectations to the desire for a clean break when a relationship ends.

But not all breaks are clean. When your relationship has produced children, the process of splitting up is very much like a divorce due to parental rights. Whether you marry the mother of your children, you are still the father, and as such, you have certain rights. This is why establishing paternity is so important.