Long Term Effects of Divorce On Children

After the initial shock resulting from loss of security, companionship and familial stability, the long term effects of divorce on children develop slowly. Misplaced blame upon children, both implied or wrongfully assumed, frequently result in a loss of self esteem. Girls may think themselves unworthy of love, unattractive, or undesirable. Boys tend to think of themselves as weak, disappointing, or unskilled. Both sexes experience feelings of abandonment, as if parents walked away from a burdensome parent/child relationship. Eventually, this lack of self esteem evolves in resentment toward one or both parents. Most likely, the parent who loses custody will be initially blamed.

Note when filing:

The availability of the dissolution of marriage, property distributions, and child support requirements are unique to each state because of variations in divorce decisions rendered by courts. As new cases are decided, new precedents establish variations in application. For this reason, everyone considering filing should consult local legal counsel. Best results are obtained through careful planning with legal counsel before committing to any course of action. Also be aware that filing creates a permanent public record. These records are rarely withdrawn, expunged or deleted absent extraordinary circumstances. Public records are available to anyone who inquires for a nominal fee.

A primary consideration driving the development of new laws revolves around children of the marriage. Children are typically not represented by attorneys in proceedings, yet are considered, as a matter of judicial and public policy, to have an overriding interest in the outcome. The needs of children financially, socially, parentally and educationally are considered the joint responsibility of parents. Courts are charged with responsibility to protect all interests of children in family court despite agreed requests of parents which may be inconsistent.