Staying together for the kids? You may want to think again

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Family Law on Tuesday, March 8, 2016.

Just as there are many reasons why a couple decides to divorce, so too are there reasons that couples stay together. When their union has produced children, some people may feel it is best to stay together for their sake. According to a recently study, these individuals may want to think again.

The study, which was conducted on behalf of a family law organization in the United Kingdom, did not focus on young children who may not have a good sense of what is going on between parents, but spoke to young people between the ages of 14-to-22-years-old. These individuals may have been exposed to years of issues between their parents. Of those who were surveyed, 82 per cent indicated they would rather their parents split, than stay together for their sake.

One family therapist indicates that response could be due to factors such as the difficulty of listening to parents constantly arguing and waiting for the decision to part to arise. In addition, the longer it takes for unhappy parents to decide to end their relationship, the more likely it is their children will feel as though they are the reason why there are difficulties in their home.

While this study took place in another country, as the society is very similar to the one here, it is not a stretch to apply the same rationale here. When parents do decide to change the nature of their relationships, there are many matters that need to be addressed. A lawyer who handles family law cases can be of assistance in getting you through the process.

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