COOPERATIVE DIVORCE BEST FOR PARENTS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

The trend toward later-life divorce has been well-documented within this blog and in the greater media. More and more older couples are calling it quits, often at or near the time that their children are heading off to college. While college-bound kids are technically adults, they do have a unique set of needs that Texas parents should consider when moving through a divorce.

Even young adults rely upon their parents to provide a sense of stability within their lives. This is essential in the first few years away from home, when children often return home for holiday and summer breaks. In addition, the manner in which parents handle their divorce provides a real-world example to children on how to resolve conflict. For these reasons, a collaborative divorce approach is often the best fit for families with college-age children.

By using the collaborative method, spouses can work through issues regarding spousal support, property division and more, all with the assistance of trained professionals that can guide the process toward resolution. Those who use collaboration often report a lower level of conflict than couples who take a litigated approach. For families with college students, maintaining a civil and cooperative environment at home makes it easier for kids to spend time with both parents during breaks from study.

Collaborative divorce is not an option for every Texas couple. However, when spouses are able to work together to reach a mutually agreeable end to their marriage, children benefit regardless of their age. With lower levels of tension and a positive dispute resolution model, collaborative divorce can be another lesson that parents can provide their children.

Categories:
Family Law