When divorcing couples choose collaborative dispute resolution over litigation, they can still consult with professionals (either separately or together) in a variety of fields to get advice on financial, tax, real estate and other decisions. Most important for many couples is the well-being of their children.
That’s where a collaborative divorce child specialist can be valuable. These are typically child therapists who have extensively studied child development and the effects of divorce on children of different ages and maturity.
What does a child specialist do?
The child specialist helps parents as they negotiate their parental responsibility and time-sharing agreements, as well as their parenting plan. They typically are a neutral party working for both parents. They aren’t there to determine how custody is shared, but to help both parents do what is best for their children.
These professionals typically spend time with the children whose parents are divorcing and with each of the parents. Children are often more likely to share their real feelings about their parents breaking up with a stranger who knows how to talk to them than with their parents, whom they don’t want to hurt or burden.
A child specialist can find out how a child feels about the living arrangement they’re currently in and others that may be under discussion. They may find ways that the parents can make things easier on the child or areas where they need to provide reassurance. Sometimes, young children spend considerable time worrying about things that aren’t even going to happen.
Helping parents make the best choices for their children
Of course, parents ultimately need to make the decisions around how they’ll co-parent. However, knowing what is most important to their child can help them craft agreements that will center on what’s best for that child.
If you’re considering a collaborative resolution to your divorce, it’s smart to learn more about it. This can help you determine if it’s right for your family.