Do's and Don'ts for Parents Divorcing in Washington

The emotions of a divorce can often affect how parents deal with their children.  Follow the tips below to minimize the harm to your children and maximize the chances of winning your case in court.

The Do's

1.    Do assure your children that both you and the other parent loves them.
2.    Do tell your children that the divorce is not their fault.
3.    Do answer your children's questions about your divorce as truthfully as possible, without criticizing the other parent.
4.    Do encourage your children to talk freely about their feelings -- even if it's painful to you.
5.    Do make sure to have a regularly scheduled and predictable visitation schedule with your children.
6.    Do have a comfortable and stable living arrangement at your home.
7.    Do have a special place for your children's toys and belongings during visiting time.
8.    Do support and be positive about your children's relationship with the other parent.
9.    Do include the other parent in important decisions and events in your child's life.
10.    Do make time to let your children be themselves and forget the divorce for a while.

The Don'ts

1.    Do not badmouth the other parent to your children, or to anyone else in their presence.
2.    Don't send messages to the other parent through your children.
3.    Do not have arguments or fights with your spouse or others in the presence of the children
4.    Don't ask your children to keep secrets from the other parent.
5.    Don't be overly generous (or less strict) in an effort to win your children's approval.
6.    Don't ask your children for information about the other parent.
7.    Do not put the children in a position to choose sides.
8.    Don't threaten to withhold child support or maintenance from the other parent if they refuse to give visitation time. 
9.    Do not make appointments for your child when they are scheduled to be with you’re the other parent
10.    Do not ever miss a scheduled visit with your children.