The effects of divorce litigation upon families can last for many years after the legal proceedings end. Children who observe their parents in conflict may be left with lifelong scars. It is difficult to remove the stress caused by the legal process from the family environment. This article explores some options.
Parents involved in custody disputes have both legal and emotional needs.
Lawyers are called upon to deal with both of these concerns, but attorneys may have little training in psychology and are unprepared to provide this support. Moreover, a lawyer's primary role is to assist a client with their legal needs. It may be important for a parent to obtain an independent counselor who is there to assist a parent who is dealing with the intense emotional upheaval caused by the situation. A counselor may also provide tools which can be used to improve parent communication. Sometimes the effects of custody disputes upon children are extreme, and child counseling may also be necessary.