No matter how difficult you think a divorce will be on you or your spouse, it is always the most difficult when children are also involved.  It’s hard to fathom the effect that changing the dynamics of a family unit can have on them, especially when you’re already dealing with the difficulty of moving on with your own life as well.

Every situation is unique, and no two families work the same way, so coping with this difficult situation requires a strong focus on making the process as painless as possible on the little ones.

The first thing to do is to GET EDUCATED on the various legal issues surrounding child custody laws in North Carolina, and how they pertain to what your goals are.  Don’t do this on the Internet; instead speak to a qualified attorney who can help you navigate through the complex North Carolina court system and better prepare you for what you’re all about to get into.

Secondly, never fall into the trap of using your children as leverage against your spouse to get something you may want from them – it’s unfair to everyone involved.  Finally, keep your emotions out of the situation when discussing child custody, and focus on what’s best for the child in the situation – the one person who most likely won’t even have a say in the matter.

It’s a very slippery slope to turn a custody battle into an all-out war, but with a clear goal, expert advice and primary consideration for your child’s emotional state, all parties will be able to move on with their lives with the least amount of anguish.

(Articles on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. Use of this blog does not provide or replace individualized legal advice. If you are in need of legal advice, please speak with one of our attorneys, who can offer legal advice specific to your circumstances.)