Moving to a new home as a child can be both an exciting and difficult transition. Often, children feel attached to their childhood homes and feel as though they are losing some of their memories when they move. Here are five things to consider when moving your children post-divorce:
1. Know Your State’s Laws
Each state has its own set of laws regarding the relocation of children after a divorce. Before moving your children, make sure that you know your state’s laws. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand these laws and avoid legal repercussions due to an innocent mistake.
2. Think About What You Will Do with Your Marital Home
The marital home is often the largest financial asset dealt with during a divorce. An experienced attorney will be able to help you decide if obtaining the house would be best for you, and if so how to go about the process.
3. Stay Positive and Confident
It is not always easy to stay positive throughout a divorce, but you should try for your children’s sake. Make sure that you and your spouse are confident in your decisions before you share them with your children. Premature sharing can cause your children to experience unnecessary stress and anxiety.
4. Help Your Children Feel Comfortable in Both Homes
If you and your ex-spouse are sharing parenting time, your children will be living in two homes. It is important that they feel comfortable in both. A few ideas to accomplish this goal are letting them help decorate their bedroom, create memories at the new home, or let them invite their friends over.
5. Allow Your Children Time to Adjust
Everyone copes and adjusts at different rates. If you have more than one child, one of them may adjust months faster than the other. It is important that you do not rush this process and allow each child to adjust at their own pace.