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Collaborative Divorce And Your Kids

WRITTEN BY:
Merel Family Law
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The Family Law Team at Merel Family Law
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When parents decide to divorce, one of their biggest concerns is how it will affect their children. At Merel Family Law, we often work with families who want to separate in a way that reduces conflict and keeps their children’s best interests at the center. For parents exploring options outside of the courtroom, working with a Chicago, IL collaborative divorce lawyer can make a meaningful difference.

Less Conflict Means Less Stress For Kids

Collaborative divorce is designed to help parents work through legal, financial, and parenting issues together, and can help the divorcing couple avoid common mistakes people make when they divorce, without the stress and pressure of court hearings. This process tends to reduce conflict, which can have a direct impact on how children adjust during and after divorce.

When parents model cooperation and calm communication, and discuss things that directly impact their kids, such as custody and how to deal with holidays and birthdays, children often feel more secure. They’re less likely to feel caught in the middle or pressured to take sides. We’ve seen that when conflict stays low, kids are more likely to maintain strong, healthy relationships with both parents.

Focus On Long-Term Parenting Plans

One key feature of collaborative divorce is its focus on creating a long-term parenting plan that works for everyone. Parents work with attorneys and, if needed, child specialists or coaches to talk through decisions like schedules, holidays, school choices, and more.

The process allows parents to take time to think through what’s best for their kids, rather than rushing decisions through court timelines. This can lead to a more thoughtful, customized plan that reflects the specific needs of the children involved.

Better Communication After Divorce

One of the benefits of the collaborative process is that it can help parents learn better communication strategies—skills that are essential for co-parenting after divorce. Whether it’s coordinating drop-offs or making decisions about school or healthcare, strong communication makes things easier for everyone involved.

The foundation built during collaborative divorce often carries over long after the legal process ends. This can help prevent future disputes and create a more stable environment for the children.

Kids Avoid The Courtroom

Collaborative divorce is handled outside the courtroom, which means children are not pulled into the legal process. They don’t have to testify, meet with judges, or feel like they are being used as part of a legal argument.

This separation from the court system can protect children from additional emotional stress. We believe that when kids are allowed to stay out of legal conflict, they have a better chance of adjusting well to their new family structure.

Talk With Our Team About Your Options

At Merel Family Law, we support families who want to move forward with less conflict and more cooperation. We started our firm in Chicago in 2009 and our team of dedicated lawyers has over 221 years of combined experience helping Illinoisans with their family law needs. If you’re considering divorce and want to prioritize your children throughout the process, we’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step.Reach out to us today to speak with someone from our team and learn how collaborative divorce may work for your family.

Written By Merel Family Law