A child in therapy will often require further support when their parents fight for a divorce. The changing circumstances and what they are used to mean they will have to adjust over time and deal with complicated emotions. During this time, property division may occur, and parents might feel they deserve more control over their child’s life through a custody battle.

Family law makes the process smoother by helping when issues like property settlement complicate matters.

Children can feel conflicted between parents, needing to choose one to support and struggling to see one or both parents vilified. Colorado courts recommend that parents act in the best interest of their child during and after a divorce, despite their differences with the other parent. A child does not need to and should not know the intimate details of their parents’ relationships with past or current partners.

Your Child’s Therapy After a Divorce

What a child discusses in private with their therapist remains between the two parties and allows the child to release their thoughts and feelings in a safe space. A therapist often is a mandated reporter when they hear about child abuse or the child being in danger, perhaps relating to divorce but not always. When parents have legal matters to settle in a divorce, they might also benefit from therapy to help work through emotions.

In family law, many decisions made for a child after or during a divorce, including therapy, consider the following factors:

• How much time, support, and resources a parent can commit to the child
• The ability each parent has to convey values to the child
• The relationship the child has with each parent (and vice versa)
• The physical distance between the residence of each parent
• Parental preference
• The child’s preference (based on their age and maturity level)
• If the parent can prioritize the child’s needs above their own
• The safety, living situation, and well-being of the child

A parent should not use their child’s experience in therapy to obtain information about the other parent or invade the child’s private space. Regarding a married couple, parties often agree or disagree on providing the child with a therapist. When there is a divorce, they must settle the issue.

Parents can consider their child’s feelings throughout the divorce and understand that every child processes the complex situation differently. The child’s relationship with an experienced and respected therapist does not threaten the parent-child relationship and is typically a healthy outlet.

Family Law Support with Littman Family Law and Mediation Services

Littman Family Law and Mediation Services can serve as your legal representation in a family law case. We can confidentially discuss the unique circumstances of your divorce or family situation to seek a logical solution. We have experience, are full of compassion, and are passionate about providing valuable support.

Call us today at (303) 832-4200 to speak to our family law office and set up a consultation in Denver, CO.