If you are struggling in a child custody battle, the stress can be overwhelming. Parents generally want what is best for their children, but can sometimes lose sight of that goal when anger, frustration, and emotional pain take over. It is important to avoid further complications as a result of emotional responses when in a child custody battle. The following is a list of some of the pitfalls to avoid, which will hopefully alleviate some of the tension and move the custody process along.

First and foremost, do not discuss or otherwise involve the children in blaming the other party for the custody dispute or related legal matters. It can be difficult to resist the temptation to ask the children about what the other parent is doing, or to blame the stress of the custody matter on the other party. This behavior is very toxic to the children and is actually prohibited by the Courts for this reason. Children are already under a lot of pressure during a custody battle, and their parents must avoid adding to that stress. There could also be legal ramifications, such as being charged with contempt. If you are having difficulty knowing what and how to communicate with your children about what is happening during a custody battle, it is recommended that you seek the help of a family therapist.

Secondly, avoid confrontations with the other party. Parents in a child custody matter still have to interact directly with each other in order to continue to raise their children. Despite their personal feelings about one another, the parents will have to work together to arrange parenting time exchanges for the children, transport the children to sports and other activities, and coordinate […]