Divorce Aftermath – Establishing a New Family Structure

When families are going through the pains of divorce, it can seem to some as though life will never be “normal” again with parents in separate residences and children being shuttled back and forth. In these situations, a family that was once together now becomes separated parts of a former whole unit, and as such, family members will need to learn how to continue living their old life within the context of their new roles.

“Families that are confronted with the onset and effects of divorce can appear shell-shocked, as if their entire world has been shattered by this event. For these people, the best thing to do is consult with an experienced family law attorney when a divorce is initiated and also try to establish a support system for the family members who will be most affected,” said Norman Green, Senior Partner at Green & Metcalf of Vero Beach, FL.

For most people, marriage is a commitment they take seriously and so there is nothing simple about ending the same marriage years later. While divorce has the greatest immediate impact on the spouses, it also can have long-term effects on the children as well. One of the best ways to minimize any potential psychological effects on children is to maintain a structured life throughout the divorce process. Studies show the children who do the best when faced with the changes divorce brings are the ones who have a daily structure in their lives.

“When it comes to moving on after divorce, everyone affected needs to create a new ‘normal’ life for themselves. This new routine can help ease the stress of divorce,” Green said.

Norman A. Green is the founder and a partner of Green & Metcalf - Attorneys At Law. He has over 40 years of experience in the practice fields of criminal defense and family law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, modifications of existing orders, prenuptial agreements and alimony cases).