When you get divorced, the resulting fallout will affect every aspect of your life, especially if you have been married for a long time. You may have built your entire identity around your marriage. When that crumbles, it may take some time for you to remember who you are as an individual. It can be difficult to remain a present and attentive parent to your kids. Staying connected is important. A Nebraska divorce lawyer can help you maintain that connection.

Dealing With Co-Parenting

If you end up in a contested divorce with an especially combative and spiteful ex, the aftermath can be hard to accept. Your spouse may have done everything in their power to hurt you and drain your finances. Now, as the dust settles, you may not know what to do next. It’s rare for a divorce to occur without reason or foresight. It’s generally the long-term result of growing resentment, anger, insecurity, or betrayal. Good marriages do not typically end in a divorce.

However, after your divorce is finalized, you may want to refocus your priorities on your kids, who may be just as confused and hurt by the divorce as you, possibly even more so. You don’t need to maintain any sort of cordial relationship with your ex beyond what is required to co-parent effectively. Don’t forget that your kids are going to need help adjusting to things, especially if they are now living in a new home or going to a new school.

Having to develop a parenting plan with someone you may now despise can be immeasurably difficult, but it is necessary to ensure your kids emerge from this as unscathed as possible. If the court awards joint custody of your kids, it may be pertinent for you and your spouse to work together to build the parenting plan and prioritize your kids’ well-being. Granted, depending on your current relationship with your ex, that may not be possible.

Nebraska has one of the highest marriage rates in the entire country, with the most recent data from World Population Review declaring the state’s marriage rate at 51.8%. The divorce rate, though, is one of the lowest in the country, with the CDC listing it at only 2.6 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. If you are having issues accepting your situation after a divorce, you may want to speak with a local support group, such as The Road Ahead or DivorceCare. They can help.

Reconnecting With Your Kids

It’s important to remember that kids are always going to be affected by a divorce. They may not have any frame of reference for what’s happening, which can lead to them being scared, confused, and even irrational. They may blame you or your ex for what’s happened. It’s up to you to do what you can to ensure your kids do not blame themselves and foster a positive environment for them.

Here are some tips you can use to stay connected or reconnect with your kids:

  • Above all, you need to be honest with them. As the divorce progresses, they are going to have a lot of questions, some of which you may be reluctant to answer. Remember that your kids are people with their own feelings and insecurities. They may want to talk about everything that’s happening. Let them talk, listen intently, and tell them you will always be there for them no matter what. Work together to form solutions.
  • It’s important to recognize that change might not happen immediately. It takes work to forge a new path forward. You have to manage your expectations and be realistic about the goals you set with your kids. Build consistency by sticking to regular schedules and maintaining a safe, encouraging environment for your kids. Don’t expect miracles, and don’t try to force change.

FAQs

Q: Is Communication With My Kids Important?

A: Yes, communication with your kids is important. It’s vital to establish a strong bond with your kids through consistent trust and love. Communication is an essential part of that bond. You want your kids to feel like they can come to you with anything. If your kids feel like they can’t trust you, the bond will shatter. Be honest with your kids, and be present when they need to talk.

Q: Does Infidelity Affect a Nebraska Divorce?

A: Generally, infidelity will not affect a divorce in Nebraska. Nebraska is a no-fault divorce state, which means neither spouse is required to prove that the end of the marriage was the fault of the other spouse. However, if your spouse used marital funds to finance their affair, that could seriously affect the division of assets, as the court does not look kindly on such behavior. The use of marital assets to fund infidelity can impact the divorce settlement.

Q: Is Parental Alienation Illegal in Nebraska?

A: No, parental alienation is not illegal in Nebraska. However, it can have serious consequences in civil court when it comes to reevaluating a custody arrangement. Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates, bribes, or even threatens their children to spend less time with or talk back to the other parent. If you can prove parental alienation, it can have serious consequences for the alienating parent. They may lose custody altogether.

Q: Will a Mother Automatically Get Primary Custody?

A: No, the mother will not automatically get primary custody. When determining which parent will get primary custody, the court must consider many different factors from each parent. Ultimately, the court has to do what’s right for the child, and that can mean primary custody could go to the mother or the father. The court will award primary custody to whichever parent is the most financially stable and can provide a loving home to their child.

Reach Out to a Lawyer Today

As you go through your divorce, it’s understandable to want some help navigating the more complex issues. A good lawyer can help you develop a parenting plan and reinforce your boundaries with your ex.

At Stange Law Firm, we can provide you with the resources you need for your divorce. Contact us to speak to someone about your case.