Once a Florida resident is ready to move beyond a broken marriage, he or she is often eager to get on with the process of divorce. The other spouse is not always so eager to embrace the changes that come with divorce, especially if the parties share children. It is important that both spouses conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and kind toward each other, even if that means slowing down the process of addressing various family law issues.
It is often the case that one spouse is sure that ending the marriage is the best course of action, while the other has doubts. In such cases, it is well worth the time and effort it takes to go to counseling together and work through the issues at hand. Even if the relationship is in fact damaged beyond repair, going through counseling can give both spouses the tools and skills they need to build a new relationship as co-parents.
Therapy provides a safe and neutral space to bring up issues that can lead to contention and distress. The counselor is trained to help couples express their thoughts and feelings and to guide them toward positive dispute resolution. This can give both parents a road map for how to navigate co-parenting.
The urge to close one chapter of life and move on to the next is understandable. However, for those in Florida who are going to remain connected through their children, it may be wise to work on coming to terms with the problems that have led to the current family law issues and to begin building a foundation for a new type of relationship. Couple’s counseling can help many families transition from one structure to another, which will benefit everyone involved, including shared children.
Source: The Huffington Post, “How To Divorce Like A Grown-Up (And Co-Parent Like One, Too)“, Brittany Wong, Feb. 29, 2016
