Ending a marriage comes with a long list of challenges – and they don’t necessarily stop when the divorce is complete. If you and your ex have children, then you will have to comply with a child custody arrangement.
This can be particularly difficult if the marriage did not end amicably. Sometimes the primary custodial parent discourages a relationship between the children and the other parent. This can cause unnecessary stress for the children and lead to co-parenting conflicts.
If you are a mother who has primary physical custody, you should encourage a healthy relationship between your kids and their father. Otherwise, the father can hire a family psychologist to prove that you are alienating him. According to the Judicial Branch of Arizona, this can impact the custody arrangement.
If you have questions about child custody laws in Arizona, contact the Zachary Law Group, P.L.C. Steven Zachary is a divorce attorney in Chandler who can protect your interests.
Call 480-389-3533 to schedule a free case evaluation. You can also learn more about divorce proceedings in Arizona by visiting the USAttorneys website.
Read on for 10 reasons not to alienate the father of your children:
- Hands-on fathers typically have infants with high “Bayley Scales of Infant Development” scores. In comparison to babies without involved dads, their IQs are higher and they solve problems quicker.
- Kids at school perform better academically when they have strong relationships with their fathers. They also achieve more in sports.
- Children with committed fathers are more likely to be A-grade students, and have better quantitative and verbal skills.
- Grade point averages are usually higher among kids who spend regular time with their fathers, because they typically have a wider range of cognitive abilities.
- Those with teenage mothers are more socioemotionally and academically developed when they enjoy frequent contact with their dads.
- Regular father involvement reduces depression and improves satisfaction with personal life goals and achievements.
- Fathers also help build confidence, generosity, negotiation ability and other values that improve peer relations. These kids are often popular and likeable, with many friends.
- Fatherless kids have an increased likelihood of suffering serious diseases, such as diabetes or obesity, before reaching adulthood. There is also a higher chance of reckless accidents such as burns.
- Moms are not as good at controlling delinquent behavior as fathers are. According to Fatherhood.gov, most children that are stealing, drinking, taking drugs or worse do not have dads in their lives.
- Teenagers are 80 percent less likely to end up in prison if they have a strong relationship with their fathers. They are also 75 percent less likely to have their own children before marriage.
There are many more reasons to overcome the challenges of co-parenting. Even if your former spouse was not the best husband, he can still be a good father.
If you are facing divorce in Arizona, contact the Zachary Law Group, P.L.C. Steven Zachary is a Chandler family lawyer who can answer your questions about child custody, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, alimony and other family law matters. Unlike other divorce attorneys, we offer flat-rate fees with no hidden charges. Call 480-389-3533 to schedule a free case evaluation.
