Helping your child through your high-conflict divorce

Sometimes divorce and child custody disputes are more difficult than they need to be. One spouse might be determined to be as obstinate as possible or might be suffering from depression or have substance abuse problems that complicate conflict resolution.

No matter what the reason for a high-conflict divorce, it is a difficult legal and emotional maze to navigate. When a series of battles affects your children — and it inevitably will — you’ll want to be prepared to help them cope.

Divorcedmoms.com is a good resource not only for divorced mothers, but also divorced dads and for anyone planning or going through a marital split here in Nevada or elsewhere. A recent article on the site described ways parents in high-conflict divorce can help their kids effectively cope with the stress and turmoil.

A few of the ways parents can help their kids include the following:

• Lookout: be vigilant, looking for signs of anxiety and depression in your kids. Their behavior might change and include things such as a drop-off in academic performance, frequent mood changes, withdrawal, lethargy, and acting out in anger and defiance. If you notice these behavioral changes, contact a mental health professional who can help you and your kids communicate and cooperate.

• Attorneys as firefighters: ask your family law attorney to discuss with your spouse’s lawyer ground rules that protect the kids. Example: both spouses agree not to put the children in situations where they must choose between parents. Discuss with your attorney other rules and agreements that can reduce stress on the children.

Also, talk to your Clark County family law attorney about how best to come to favorable agreements with your spouse on child custody, child support, visitation schedules, property division and other areas that might contain significant hurdles. An experienced lawyer will help you navigate that maze and help you protect your children on the way.