Divorce Timing: Should I Wait Until My Child Is 18?
Are you considering getting divorced but want to know if you should wait until your child is 18?
Divorce is never an ideal situation, and it is even more difficult if you have children. Since the majority of divorces involve children, learning about the divorce timing for your child is critical for you to make a decision.
Below, we’re going to go over some tips when waiting to divorce until the child is 18. Keep reading to learn more.
Pros of Waiting Until Your Child Is 18 to Divorce
Waiting until your child is 18 to divorce can have many positive implications for everyone involved. Prior to your child’s 18th birthday, parents can take this time to amicably work out the details of the divorce.
This means that there is less stress on the child as both parents can come to an agreement relatively quickly. When the child is 18, they are more likely to have a more clear understanding of the situation. They can be prepared for either life with both parents or just one.
By waiting until the child is 18, their future can be more established, and in the long run, these decisions will ultimately be a benefit to them. Furthermore, as the child transitions to adulthood, this allows one or both parents to financially support them. This is until they become independent.
This support can help the child’s transition to adulthood and make it more successful. Lastly, it can give both parents the opportunity to develop an amicable relationship for the sake of their child.
Cons of Waiting Until Your Child Is 18 to Divorce
Divorcing when your child is 18 or older can have its cons. If your child is 18, they may become an emotional support system for one of the parents divorcing. They can become resentful or feel like the child of the divorcing parent is picking sides, exacerbating existing family tensions.
Some parents may worry that the child will disengage from the family system if the divorce takes place when they are 18, as their world has been turned upside down while they were dependent on their parents.
Additionally, there is the fear that the child will use the final years before leaving for college as a buffer to wall off potential hurt or pain. This can be avoided by taking time to properly address difficult issues before the child is 18 years old.
Navigating the Legal Landscape When Requesting a Delay
When navigating the legal landscape when requesting a delay in divorce proceedings, it is important to consider the well-being of the child involved. Timing should be carefully considered when a child is eighteen or younger at the time the divorce is going to take place.
Appropriate measures can be put in place to ensure the child is properly taken care of. For instance, deciding which parent the child should reside with, financial arrangements, and the creation of a parenting plan.
There are also additional steps necessary to ensure the child’s psychological development, such as necessary counseling and clear communication between both parents so the child still feels secure.
Click here for professional advice when getting a divorce in Arizona. They can also advise prior to whether you should stay married or get divorced.
Explore Waiting to Divorce Until Child Is 18
Overall, the decision to divorce a parent should take into consideration the age of the child. If a parent believes their child may be negatively affected by the divorce, it may be better to wait to divorce until the child is 18.
If you are considering filing for divorce, it is worth considering seeking legal advice to help protect yourself and plan for the future.
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