How Relocation Disputes Impact Children

Separation and divorce can be difficult on children, no matter how smoothly the process goes. Moving away from what you know can be equally difficult, but the impact on your children can be significant regarding relocation disputes. Still, several factors can affect your child’s experience and how that impacts them. At Danielsen Westhoff, our Broomfield move-away dispute lawyer understands that these situations are nuanced and may be able to help you and your family prepare.

Considerations for Your Children in Your Relocation Dispute

Most parents don’t want to cause additional strife and anxiety for their children, but during a divorce and move, sometimes they can get lost in the shuffle. There are several components of the moving dispute that can affect your children’s well-being. In an article from Very Well Mind, the author explains that relocation, especially following divorce, can lead to symptoms of depression in children. These symptoms can include:

• Feeling guilty
• Crying or clinginess
• Academic decline
• Persistent physical complaints

Inclusion and Control

Children often lose their feelings of autonomy or power when their parents separate or make a big life change. When one parent tries to relocate with a child, or even without a child, it can increase their feelings of being out of control or unimportant. Try to include your child in the decision as much as possible. Small decisions like where their room in the new house will be or what color they get to paint it can make a difference. You may let them look at house listings with you and pick some to view from a list you provide. All of these things can help them feel a sense of control over the situation and decrease feelings of anxiety.

Conflict

If you are trying to navigate a high-conflict relationship during your move, it is critical to be aware that the presence of conflict can affect your child if they witness it. As a general rule, if your child knows there is conflict, they will experience more anxiety. Keeping your children away from adult conversations will go a long way to protect your relationship with your child, make the transition easier, and model appropriate problem-solving skills.

Disrupted Relationships

A move means the disruption of most of daily life. This is stressful for adults who are looking forward to the move, and it is infinitely more stressful for a child who may also be losing connections to their other parents, their friends, and their school. This change in environment and routine can often cause behavioral regressions and social or academic difficulties.

Your Child’s Best Interest

The court will consider the best interest of the child in your request to move. These considerations include investigating whether the move will improve the child’s quality of life, tear them away from established family or relationships, or provide them with better opportunities. There may not be a clear answer to many of these questions, as they are often a mixture. Relocation may provide significant opportunities for the parent and child, and it may take them away from another loving parent.

When this happens, it is critical to give your child space to have and feel their feelings. Offer support to your child and let them know you are there and ready to listen. Some children may greatly benefit from a support group or counseling services following a move post-divorce.