FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2019
HARTFORD COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE EXPERT OFFERS TIPS FOR FAMILIES DURING NATIONAL CHILD CENTERED DIVORCE MONTH
HARTFORD, Conn.; July 31, 2019 – July was National Child Centered Divorce Month, a time dedicated to alerting parents about the harm to their children when divorce isn’t handled effectively. Repeated studies show that it is not the divorce specifically that damages children; it is the ongoing conflict that is destructive to children.
“Going through a divorce can often be an emotional and confusing time, and unfortunately, children can become bargaining chips or pawns against our better judgment,” said Elaine Ducharme, Ph.D., a divorce coach and child specialist with the Connecticut Collaborative Divorce Group (CCDG) based in Hartford. “Working out the details of a split can be messy, which means we can’t take our eye off of how our children are handling the situation.”
Fortunately, there are options to help families through the difficult time of divorce. Collaborative Divorce, unlike a litigated divorce, utilizes a team approach to resolve the legal, financial and emotional aspects of divorce. The CCDG consists of attorneys, mental health professionals and financial professionals. A neutral mental health coach helps work out the parenting plan, helps to guide the process in a respectful and dignified fashion and assists with the emotional issues that arise during the divorce process. A neutral financial professional is available to help with tax issues, financial planning issues, budgets, and more. The team works to help the parents come to agreements that are in the best interest of the family. A fundamental difference from a traditional divorce is that all parties sign an agreement to resolve disputes without going to court. The process allows the parties to learn new problem-solving techniques and move forward in a way that minimizes the negative impact of divorce on the children.
Divorcing spouses may have irreconcilable differences, but it doesn’t mean children have to suffer. Ducharme offer several things to keep in mind regarding children during a marital split:
- Remind children it is not their fault.
- Don’t fight in front of the children.
- Remember that children are not property to be divided up. Work to develop a healthy relationship with kids based on mutual love and respect, not on the exact number of hours spent with them.
- Don’t talk badly about the other parent.
- Try to limit change to children routines.
- Let children express their emotions.
- Love your children more than you dislike each other.
To learn more about collaborative divorce process, visit www.collaborativedivorce.com. CCDG members are available for in-person and telephone interviews.
CCDG is a group of experienced divorce professionals, including divorce and family lawyers, financial and mental health professionals who have been specifically trained in the collaborative process. Each member of the group has made a commitment to the goals of collaborative practice in order to help people achieve fair and lasting settlements without using the court or even the threat of court. Additionally, each member attends regular meetings and training sessions designed to develop and enhance their collaborative divorce skills. For more information visit: www.ctcollabrorativedivorce.com
###
