The voice of children of divorce is under-represented in both our psychological and legal discourse. When children have a voice in their custodial placement and time share, even if it is not determinative, the impact of divorce is mitigated.
Research has documented the negative impact of divorce and resulting custody decisions on children and their future progeny. Custody is not a “one size fits all” issue. There is no all-purpose custody template. Custody orders may not be modifiable, even though the child/dren may have outgrown the current order and the existing order is no longer in their best interest. The exorbitant expense of custody litigation and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it prevents many parents from reopening the issue of custody. Children, and their specific wishes, are frequently ignored and they become pawns in the divorce game.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
- Identify steps needed to include children in the custodial time share decision making process.
- Demonstrate knowledge of different custody protocols.
- Assess alternatives to costly custody determinations.