Divorce is not usually an easy process for anyone, whether uncontested or contested. However, divorce is especially difficult for couples with children. From time-sharing arrangements to making important decisions on behalf of the child, divorce with children can be complicated. In light of that, Florida requires a divorcing couple with children under the age of 18 to complete a 4-hour Parent Education and Family Stabilization class. Each parent must complete a court-approved class before their divorce is finalized.
If you are a divorcing parent, learn more about Dr. Liliana Wolf’s DCF-approved parenting class today.
How Does Divorce Affect Children?
Divorce a sad reality for many married couples in the U.S. In fact, about 50% of American children will see their parents’ marriage end in divorce. While divorce seems to be the only option for some couples, it is important to consider the effects it has on their children.
Physical - While it’s not the case for all children, divorce can have a negative impact on a child’s physical health. The stress of divorce can lead to poor sleep and a higher susceptibility to getting sick. Additionally, the process of divorce can lead to depression in a child, which contributes to physical deterioration.
Emotional - The process and final results of divorce are a lot for a child to manage. Without intentional guidance, divorce can quickly overwhelm a child, which often leads to anger, irritability, confusion, anxiety, guilt, and more.
Academic - If children experience the negative physical and emotional consequences of divorce, then it would follow that they would struggle in other areas of life. Academics often suffer due to the distractions and interruptions that divorce causes in a child’s life.
Social - If divorce breaks down a child’s physical and emotional fortitude, then this will likely hurt the child’s social abilities as guilt and insecurities set in.
Future - While it is not guaranteed, it is more likely that a child of divorced parents will get divorced later in life. Perhaps this results from a lack of faith in marriage or the absence of a good example of a successful marriage.
Florida’s Laws & Filing for Divorce with Children
As stated above, Florida’s divorce laws include a required parenting class for divorcing couples with children. Ultimately, the rule of thumb for decisions regarding children is that it must be in the best interests of the child. Some things that divorcing parents should consider include:
Shared parental responsibility - Unless it can be proven that it’s not in the best interests of the child, the courts in Florida are supposed to award shared parenting responsibility, which means that both parents make key decisions on behalf of the child.
Timesharing - This refers to the physical time the child will spend with each parent. Either the parents will agree on an arrangement or the court will decide, but either way, the time sharing plan must be in the best interests of the child.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce with Children in Florida
An uncontested divorce is when a couple agrees on all of the major issues related to the divorce while a contested divorce is when they do not agree. It goes without saying that an uncontested divorce is a faster, less expensive, and less stressful way to go. Of course, a quick and amicable divorce process will be less stressful for children. However, and uncontested divorce is more difficult to achieve when children are involved since matters like child custody, child support, and parenting plans must be agreed on.
Getting a Florida Divorce?
If you have children and you are planning to get divorced in Florida, don’t hesitate to take Dr. Liliana Wolf’s DCF-approved online parenting class. Not only do you need it to meet Florida’s divorce requirements, but it is also in the best interests of your child. It will help with the following:
Navigate the challenges of the divorce process
Maintain a positive co-parenting alliance
Help your child adjust to the new family structure
Science-based education on family stabilization
Other practical benefits to Dr. Liliana Wolf’s parenting class include:
Instant certificate to submit to the court
100% online video course
30-day money-back guarantee
4-hour course to watch at your own pace
Guaranteed Florida-court acceptance
Make sure you consider the best interests of your child(ren) if you are getting divorced in Florida. Get started with Dr. Liliana Wolf’s online parenting class today!