In a column published on 7/18 in the Sanford Herald (front-page), Family Law Attorney Rebecca Palmer discusses the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month and Child-Centered Divorce Month, and discusses the critical importance of protecting children’s mental health during and after divorce. Palmer provides crucial legal guidance on how to ensure every family, no matter their position, can ensure their child’s mental health after divorce.

Palmer expresses the need for honest communication, explaining, “Parents should be transparent with their children, altering their explanations according to the child’s age and maturity.  This is particularly vital for minority families, as divorce can be a profoundly complex and challenging process due to a mix of unique factors ranging from family values to economic status.”

Consulting with a mental health professional and creating a detailed child-centered parenting plan (custody agreements) are two steps that can prepare couples to navigate other emotionally tolling experiences. While divorce can also create a lot of tension around extended family, Palmer encourages couples to be open and allow their children the opportunity to form relationships with extended family.

“For many minority families, extended family plays an integral role in a child’s life and cultural identity,” says Palmer. “Maintaining cultural traditions and connections can be a significant source of stability and comfort for children navigating the complexities of divorce.”

Read the news story in full; click here (subscriber-based).