Family Law Situations - How to Get Through It

When parents and children are negotiating family law situations, it can be stressful indeed. Families are complicated enough without legal issues arising. Some common reasons that attorneys are brought in to the picture are divorce, legal separation, custody and visitation battles, support payment regulations and more. When domestic violence takes place between family members, this is one of the most emotionally wrenching situations around. Marital problems and split ups happen but in order to keep the kids of the union from being scarred for life, it's wise to have a plan for positive action in order to get through it all. Here are some ideas:

- Team Meetings: Instead of only having the adults airing feelings, making decisions and expressing concern, it's helpful to make the children feel like a part of the team. How much they can actually do will depend on their ages, but bringing them into the loop can be a way to make them feel like they have some control of their lives.

- Respect: No matter what is going on in terms of family law, parents should be as respectful of each other and the children as possible. One parent saying mean things about another parent is not just an unkind, bad example; it also makes the kids feel guilty and bad about themselves. Remember, even if their dad did fail to pay his support payments, he shouldn't be called names or berated in front of the children. His kids are a part of him and they will feel like they're being disrespected, too.

- Think long term: In the throes of a nasty marital split, one spouse may just want to get out fast and not want a dime from the other one. Even though that may feel self righteous at the time, it won't feel so great down the road when standing in the soup kitchen line. On the other side, it's not right to be so angry and vow to hurt the other person just to get even. Vindictive, spiteful behavior is bad karma and will be bad for everyone. Aim for being fair and think long term. Having a competent lawyer on your side to navigate through these dark emotional waters will be well worth the legal fees.

- Self care: In times of crisis and upheaval, every member of the family should be encouraged to perform self care. Moms and Dads should do whatever makes them feel nurtured and take it one day at a time. Going for a massage, hiking, bicycling, eating healthy food or taking a bubble bath - whatever it is that makes them feel nurtured will help them make it through each day. Teaching the kids to perform their own self care such as playing with their pets, reading, painting, watching a funny DVD or running around in the backyard blowing bubbles can give them coping skills for life.

When things fall apart and a family law firm is brought into the mix, it will be a stressful time. Taking steps to ease the strain will be beneficial to the whole clan.