When a family separates, children are often the ones who are most affected. They are left to wonder what they might have done wrong, why their parents do not want to stay together, and what caused the split to happen. A separation and divorce in California is a complicated situation, which involves quite a bit of chaos for children. One of the scariest parts of the process is when children make their appearance in a California child custody trial.
To help ease the worry, it is important to maintain an open line of communication. Here are a few tips on how to best talk to your children about your San Francisco child custody trial, ease their fears, and make them as comfortable as possible:
- Remind your children repeatedly that it is not their fault. Children are confused when their family is suddenly separated, and they search desperately for answers. To help them maintain their confidence, remind them repeatedly that the divorce was not their fault.
- Encourage them to be open and honest with the judge. When a judge asks questions, your child should not be coached on how to answer. This will only scare them and leave them nervous, which can harm your case. Instead, encourage open and honest communication so that they can relax and be themselves.
- Find third-party mentors for your child. Your children are confused right now, and talking to you or your ex can be difficult. Find a counselor or church contact to provide an ear for your children, and let them speak their minds to a trusted outside party.
If you are going through California child custody battles in your family, you may need the help of a San Francisco child custody attorney to make life a little bit easier on you and your kids. Contact the Law Offices of Paul H. Nathan today for more information about how we can help you.
