How to Protect Your Children During a Custody Battle

Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. | Child Custody
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    Divorce is an emotionally difficult process, even for former spouses who communicate well, and no issue is more difficult to navigate than child custody. If you are fighting over custody arrangements, an experienced Glendale, Arizona child custody attorney can help you reach a settlement or protect yourself in court – but the task of protecting your children’s emotional health falls on you.

    How can you help children navigate a difficult child custody arrangement?

    Consider the following tips:

    • Reassure your child. No matter how young or old your child is, he or she knows that things are not as they used to be and that his or her parents are under considerable stress. Reassure your child, in terms he or she can understand, that both of you still love them very much and are trying to figure out what is best for them – even though you do not yet agree on what that is.
    • Encourage your child to maintain a relationship with his or her other parent. Children need both parents, and they need parents who understand this fact. Encourage your child to speak to his or her other parent regularly, and support your child’s efforts to do so by scheduling phone or Skype time, showing up on time for visits, and other tasks.
    • Release your anger elsewhere. It can be very tempting to derogate or deride your former spouse, his or her family, or other parties involved in the divorce, especially when you are angry, frustrated, or overwhelmed. However, it is best for your children if you do not do so in front of them. Remember that you are talking about your child’s parent and his or her family members. Instead, release your anger among trusted friends, with a counselor, or even alone, rather than venting to your child.

    At Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., we understand the difficulties that you may be experiencing right now. To learn more about your rights in child custody disputes, call us today at (480) 467-3434.

    Visit Our Sun City Family Law Law Offices

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    About the Author

    Zachary Mushkatel

    Zachary Mushkatel is a founding attorney of Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., who has practiced law in Arizona since 2004. He also practices before the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. A graduate of the University of Arizona and the University of Minnesota Law School, he started his career as a public defender and entered private practice in criminal defense. In 2008, Zachary co-founded a firm dedicated to civil law in addition to criminal defense, and he has since expanded his practice to personal injury, estate planning and litigation, guardianships, conservatorships, probate, corporate litigation, real estate, and various civil matters. He serves on the board and faculty of the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, and he is a past president and current member of the West Maricopa County Bar Association.