Couples who put their children’s needs first when they are separating have made the wisest decision. Family law in Canada always ensures children’s welfare is paramount in any situation and that includes when their parents are divorcing. Former couples who develop a positive relationship as co-parents are indeed looking after both the physical and mental well-being of their kids.
When children have both parents in their lives in a meaningful way, it often helps them to accept a divorce situation and move forward in a healthy way. This bodes true for kids of same-sex relationships as well. Family mediation can often help parents iron out contentious issues pertaining to their kids — like custody, visitation, support and other things like schooling, disciplining, religion, etc. The most important thing next to taking care of a child’s physical needs is that he or she is made to feel safe and secure.
Parents are divorcing for a reason and often part of the problem in a marriage is differing opinions. So, co-parenting may be a challenge for some individuals. But, when each spouse makes the children a priority it can take the focus off the defunct marital relationship, which may make agreeing on issues much less difficult.
There are many family law tools available to divorcing parents in Canada that may help them to successfully co-parent their kids. Getting legal counsel may help individuals use those tools. A lawyer can offer suggestions and guidance to clients when it comes to co-parenting. In addition, a sympathetic lawyer may be able to provide the names of other professionals who might be able to help, such as family counsellors.
Source: canada.ca, “Page 8: Because life goes on … helping children and youth live with separation and divorce“, Accessed on March 11, 2018