Helpful Tips for Dads Navigating an Illinois Divorce

 Posted on May 21, 2021 in Divorce

The relationship between a parent and his or her child is a sacred bond. When that relationship is strained or damaged in some way, it can have lasting psychological effects on the child. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens in many divorces - often to the father. Even though the law states that parents should be treated equally, this is not always the case. In many cases, the father faces a particularly difficult situation when it comes to divorce.

Navigating Divorce as a Father

It is very common for the father to be overlooked as a parent in divorce cases. If parental decision-making responsibilities or parenting time is contested by either spouse, the judge will step in to make the final decision. Many people still have implicit biases about the role that a mother and a father take in raising children, which can lead to unfairness in the decisions they make. As a father, here are a couple of things you should keep in mind when you are going through a divorce:

• Stay involved in your children's lives. Many fathers are the ones who leave the family home when they separate from their soon-to-be ex-wives. Even if you do leave the home, however, it is important that you stay involved in your children’s lives. You should be proactive when it comes to your children. Be on time to drop them off and pick them up during parenting time transitions. Have routine conversations with their other parent about school, extracurricular activities, doctor appointments, etc. It is important to show that you are dedicated to being in your child’s life.

• Keep track of important information. It is not enough to simply be present in your child’s life -- you also have to be involved. You should know things about your child, like where they go to school, what grade they are in, where their pediatrician is, who their daycare provider is, and more. When you testify during your custody trial, the judge may ask you about such details and expect you to be able to produce them.

• Keep your behavior under control. Divorce is an extremely stressful process. In some cases, your spouse may prove to be even more troublesome than you anticipated. Divorcing a narcissist or another high-conflict personality can lead to all kinds of conflict, but you must be careful not to let your spouse’s behavior get to you. Even if your spouse provokes you, you must be able to control your emotions avoid acting rashly.

Speak With Our Wheaton, IL Father’s Rights Attorney Today

Being a father is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do in your life. However, being a father during a divorce can be stressful and emotionally taxing. Whether you are planning on getting a divorce or you are currently in the middle of a divorce, the team at Andrew Cores Family Law Group can help you protect your rights. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our skilled DuPage County divorce lawyers, call our office today at 630-871-1002.

Sources:

https://www.liveabout.com/surviving-the-divorce-process-fathers-1270385

https://www.verywellfamily.com/keys-for-success-as-divorced-dad-1270180

https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/7-tips-dads-need-to-know-about-custody-before-filing-for-divorce/