How We Can Prevent High Conflict Divorce Deminishing Child Wellbeing

Understanding High Conflict Divorce

High conflict divorce is a term used to describe separations where parents can’t agree on important issues. These divorces often involve ongoing arguments, court battles, and a waste of both people’s bank accounts. This type of divorce can be very hard on everyone involved, especially children.

Research shows that about 10% of divorces are considered high conflict. While this might seem like a small number, it affects many families. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that children from high-conflict divorces are at higher risk for mental health issues.

High conflict divorces and custody battles often involve:

• Real and falsely alleged domestic violence, child abuse, or parental alienation
• Long, expensive court battles
• Long lasting emotional and psychological harm to the children
• Parental alienation

Impact on Children

Children caught in the middle of high conflict divorces can face many challenges. These issues can affect their emotional wellbeing and development. Understanding these impacts is crucial for parents and professionals working to protect child wellbeing.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that children in high conflict divorces often experience:

• Higher levels of anxiety and depression
• Problems with social relationships
• Difficulty in school
• Lower self-esteem
• Increased risk of substance abuse later in life

These effects can be long-lasting. Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows that children from high conflict divorces may continue to struggle into adulthood. This highlights the importance of addressing these issues early.

Strategies for Prevention

Preventing high conflict divorce from harming child wellbeing requires effort from parents, professionals, and the community. The difficult part is both parents need to be acting in their child’s best and not in their own self-interest. Because divorce is a conflict-driven revenue model business, far too many professionals from lawyers and custody evaluators, often contribute to the conflict for their own financial gain.  Short of legislation and professionals and courts truly acting in the child’s best interests, here are some strategies that can help:

• Adjudicate alleged crimes (DV, child abuse) in criminal court
• Require evidence that a parent is unfit or unsafe before restricting his or her parenting time
• Separate time and money by waiving child support and sharing child expenses
• Change custody evaluations (bias, opinion) into investigations (evidence, facts) and eliminate evaluators
• Require evidence of harm to substantiate restraining orders before they are issued

Organizations like Colorado Resilience offer resources to help families navigate these challenges. Their approach focuses on preventing disputes from escalating into battles that put children in the middle.

Role of Family Courts

Family courts play a big part in high conflict divorces. They make decisions about custody, visitation, and child support. However, most argue that current court practices can sometimes make conflicts worse.

A report from the University of Connecticut found that high conflict cases take up a lot of court time and resources. This can lead to longer wait times and more stress for families.

Colorado Resilience advocates for changes in the family court system. They believe that promoting equal parenting rights can reduce conflict and false allegations. This approach aims to ensure children maintain healthy relationships with both parents.

Support Systems

Support systems are crucial for families going through high conflict divorces. These can include:

• Family therapists
• Support groups for parents and children
• School counselors
• Community organizations

Having a strong support network can help reduce the negative impacts of high conflict divorce on children. It provides a safe space for everyone to express their feelings and learn coping skills.

Legal Reforms

Some experts believe that legal reforms could help reduce high conflict divorces and protect child wellbeing. These reforms might include:

• Rebuttable presumption of equal shared parenting
• Adjudicate alleged crimes in criminal court
• Hold people accountable for knowing making false allegations of DV or child abuse
• Narrow  judicial discretion and hold judges accountable for violating the law

Colorado Resilience is working to promote these types of reforms. They believe that changing how the system works can lead to better outcomes for children and families.

Wrap-up

High conflict divorce can have serious impacts on child wellbeing. But with the right strategies and support, these impacts can be reduced. It’s important for parents, professionals, and communities to work together to protect children during this difficult time.

Organizations like Colorado Resilience are working to change the system and provide resources for families. Their efforts aim to ensure that even in tough situations, children can maintain healthy relationships with both parents.

By focusing on prevention, support, and reform, we can work towards a future where high conflict divorces don’t have to mean long-term harm for children.

FAQ

What is considered a high conflict divorce?

A high conflict divorce involves ongoing disputes between parents that often lead to court battles and negative impacts on children.

How does high conflict divorce affect children?

Children in high conflict divorces may experience anxiety, depression, social problems, and difficulties in school.

What can parents do to reduce conflict during divorce?

Parents can attend co-parenting classes, use mediation services, and focus on clear communication to reduce conflict.

How can the legal system help prevent high conflict divorces?

Legal reforms like mandatory mediation and specialized training for judges could help reduce high conflict cases.

Where can families find support during high conflict divorces?

Families can find support through therapists, support groups, school counselors, and organizations like Colorado Resilience.