Many parents are looking for online resources to help themselves or their children cope with the changes in the family that happen with divorce. The California Courts in collaboration with other have created a website with information to help parents, kids and teens deal with divorce. This article will summarize some of the helpful sections, and the full site can be found here: www.familieschange.ca.gov
- Dealing with Change.
If you are looking for information about parenting responsibilities, children’s rights and responsibilities, what changes to expect, parenting strategies, keeping the kids out of the conflict or even abuse in the home, this section will provide helpful resources. Go to www.familieschange.cal. gov/en/parents/dealing-change
- Feelings and Emotions.
This section provides resources to help your children process the gamut of feelings and emotions during and after divorce or separation. It describes how your children may feel, gives suggestions on how to create an environment that allows children to experience and express emotions, gives guidance on identifying feelings, and suggestions for problem solving and dealing with behavioral changes in children. Go to www.familieschange.ca.gov/en/parents/feelings-and-emotions
- Telling the Children
One of most difficult aspects of divorce or separation can be telling the children about the impending changes. This is a crucial step that will influence how your children will feel about the situation. The site recommends planning out the discussion with your ex-spouse so that if possible, you can agree on how to deliver the news, anticipate questions, address concerns, and make the discussion as calm and positive as possible. This section has detailed information on questions such as how to explain why parents separate, how to keep lines of communication open and how to talk to teachers, coaches and extended family. Go to www.familieschange.ca.gov/en/parents/telling-children
- Child Support
Child Support is one of the first things parents should think about when they separate. It is the amount of money that a court orders a parent or both parents to pay each month to help pay for the support of the child (or children) and their living expenses. California’s child support law is based on the principle that even though parents may separate or divorce, children are entitled to the financial support of both parents. This section has information on child support responsibilities, guidance on how to figure out what a parent should expect to pay or receive, information on how to calculate other types of expenses and also additional resources.
Go to www.familieschange.ca.gov/en/parents/child-support
- Other Resources
There are many resources available to help California families through separation and divorce. Some of these are listed on the Families Change site at www.familieschange.ca.gov/en/parents/resources.
- Talk to an Attorney
If you want to talk to a knowledgeable and professional attorney about your questions relating to separation, divorce, child support, or any other family law issue, the attorneys at the Law Office of David Knecht, have extensive experience in family law. Contact us at 707-451-4502 for more information.
