In our last blog post, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC provided tips to help divorced parents build stronger bonds with their children. If you’re going through a divorce, just finalized one, or considering it, these posts offer valuable insights. Although each family is unique, the advice offered here is universally beneficial for families grappling with the challenges of divorce.
Make the Most of Your Time with Your Children
Many parents who visit our office before initiating divorce proceedings express a desire for “full custody” or something similar. What they often mean is that they want their children to primarily reside with them. It’s natural to want as much time as possible with your children when considering your divorce goals. Unfortunately, in most divorce cases, only one parent can be designated as the “primary conservator” of the children. This transition can be challenging for many parents, moving from unrestricted access to their children to scheduled visitation as specified in the divorce decree.
Regardless of where you stand in terms of visitation or possession rights, it’s essential to maximize the time you spend with your children. It’s evident that building or strengthening any relationship requires spending quality time together. Your children need stability, and your actions can either bolster or diminish this stability. Law Office of Bryan Fagan advises against canceling or failing to show up for scheduled visits with your children not only upsets your ex-spouse but also exposes you to potential legal consequences for violating court orders. On a relational level, your children will sense that they are not your top priority when you prioritize other activities over them.
Prioritize Your Children Over Your Feelings Toward Your Ex-Spouse
Whether you initiated the divorce or were the reluctant spouse seeking to salvage the marriage, once the divorce decree is finalized, the past issues with your spouse become largely irrelevant. While it may sound harsh, it’s a reality. Dwelling on past grievances or attempting to seek revenge for perceived wrongs committed during or before the divorce is unhealthy. The person who could potentially address those issues is no longer your partner or part of your daily life.
Your children do not want to be involved in or hear about any efforts by either parent to seek vengeance or retribution. Attempting to undermine the other parent’s authority by asserting your superiority can lead to resentment or disengagement from your children. Engaging in petty actions, like arriving late for visitation drop-offs, failing to contribute to agreed-upon extracurricular expenses, or neglecting to communicate about significant matters in your children’s lives, may seem like ways to retaliate against your ex-spouse. However, these actions primarily harm your children, who may internalize the negative behavior or even feel responsible for it. It’s best to avoid putting your children in such situations. Resist viewing your ex-spouse as an enemy and your shared parenting as a battleground.
Avoid Forcing Your Children to Choose Between Parents
The beauty of divorce arrangements is that both you and your ex-spouse have ample opportunities to build strong relationships with your children. Even with less time than desired, even a Standard Possession Order allows for substantial quality time with your children.
There is no need to manipulate your children into favoring you over your ex-spouse. There should be no “favorite” parent, and you should refrain from asking your children whom they prefer to spend time with. Children, regardless of their age, are more perceptive than you may realize. Forcing them to pick sides can lead to them choosing one parent, but it can ultimately damage your relationship with them. Older children may look back on this situation and consider it unfair, while younger ones may become hesitant to share their thoughts and feelings due to discomfort caused by such questioning.
Questions About Divorce in Texas? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC
We hope these pieces of advice are helpful and relevant to your unique family situation. If you have more questions about family law or divorce, contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC today. Our dedicated team is ready to help and can schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed family law attorneys.
Ebook
![Adobe Stock 62844981[2]](/?seraph_accel_gci=wp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2FAdobeStock_628449812.jpeg&n=ZoLGz1rB9EpXzbEKYFZug)
If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “16 Steps to Help You Plan & Prepare for Your Texas Divorce”
Other Articles you may be interested in:
- What Happens to Marital Debt During a Texas Divorce?
- How credit cards and debts are handled in a Texas Divorce
- Know How Property and Debts are Divided, When Preparing for Your Texas Divorce
- What Happens to Marital Debt During a Texas Divorce?
- Dividing Property in a Texas Divorce – The Just and Right Division
- Why is Separate Property Important and How to Keep it Separate in a Texas Divorce?
- What Wikipedia Can’t Tell you About Texas Divorce and Marital Property Division
- Texas Divorce Property Division Enforcement
- Separate Property in a Texas Divorce?
- Does it Matter Whose Name is on Title or Deed of Property in a Divorce in Texas?
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, Texas Divorce Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it’s important to speak with one of our Houston, TX Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our divorce lawyers in Houston TX are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC handles Divorce cases in Houston, Texas, Cypress, Klein, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, The Woodlands, the FM 1960 area, or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County and Waller County.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.
