When a divorce is imminent, it can force you to face unpleasant truths about your relationship that you may have ignored or never even noticed before. You may not want a divorce, especially if you were the one who was served. You may be feeling blindsided and reluctant to end your marriage. Nebraska is a no-fault divorce state, so it’s going to happen either way. You may want to prioritize your kids’ well-being. An Omaha divorce lawyer can help you do that.

Divorcing When You Have Kids

While your divorce is certainly going to be hard on you, it may be even harder on your kids. They may not have known there were issues in your marriage, as both you and your spouse may have put in work to shield them from your own problems. They may even start to resent the parent who filed, as they may view them as the reason their family is falling apart. It is vital that you do what you can to protect your kids and prioritize their mental health in all this.

It’s safe to say that many, if not most, people do not get married with the intention of ever getting divorced. Marriage is supposed to be forever. When forever comes to an end, it can be devastating for everyone involved. Everyone pursues a divorce for their own reasons. Sometimes, one partner betrays the other. Sometimes, two people simply fall out of love and grow apart. It’s different every time, but it’s particularly difficult when kids are involved.

It’s a reasonable reaction to want to protect your kids from the fallout of your own marital issues, but it is important to prepare for and address them. At some point, your kids are going to find out, and the divorce is going to affect their lives. They may have to live elsewhere, go to a new school, or stop seeing one parent as much as they used to. These are all significant life changes that you will need to prepare your kids for. You need to give them positive reassurance.

According to the World Population Review, the marriage rate in Nebraska as of 2025 is approximately 51.8%. Meanwhile, the CDC reports the divorce rate as of 2022 to be 2.6 per 1,000 residents. On a national level, the marriage rate appears to be decreasing. If you are having issues accepting your own divorce, you may want to speak with a local support group, such as a chapter of DivorceCare. Talking to someone who understands your plight can be helpful.

Prioritizing Your Kids in a Divorce

Unfortunately, slipping into bad habits is easy to do after a divorce. You may spend so much time feeling sorry for yourself that you forget to be a present and active parent. Your kids can end up suffering alone, especially if you don’t give them the time to process everything that’s happened. It’s crucial for their development and general welfare that you don’t let that happen. Prioritizing your kids can be easier said than done. Here are some ways to stay connected:

  • Do what you can to keep your kids out of conflicts that arise between you and your former spouse. The last thing you want is for your ex to try and charge you with parental alienation because you started badmouthing them to your children. Be the bigger person, and do not give in to petty gossip. Don’t ask your kids to pick a favorite parent or choose sides in any way. Be a present parent and focus on your kids’ well-being.
  • You may want to focus on rebuilding the bond you had with your kids before the divorce. Depending on the details, that bond may never have been shaken in the first place. That doesn’t change the fact that divorce is hard on the people involved, including your kids. It’s your job to assure them that your love for them hasn’t changed. Make an effort to spend time with them, play with them, and let them vent if they need it.

FAQs

Q: Which Custody Arrangement Is the Most Effective?

A: There is no telling which custody arrangement will be most effective for you. Everybody’s situation is different. What’s right for someone else’s kids may not be right for yours. In most cases, the court likes to push for joint custody, as that puts equal responsibility on both parents’ shoulders and encourages them to work together for the kids’ sake.

Q: When Can I Start Dating After a Divorce?

A: That’s entirely up to you. You should start dating whenever you feel you are comfortable inviting someone new into your life and your kids’ lives. If you haven’t fully moved on from your divorce, you should consider holding off on dating until your feelings have settled. The last thing you want is for your ex to think you are trying to replace them as a parent or for your kids to think you’re trying to start a different family.

Q: Should I Pursue a Collaborative Divorce?

A: Depending on your situation, a collaborative divorce may be beneficial to you. The transition from a two-parent to a one-parent household may be easier if both parents work together to amicably end things and discuss everything with a mediator present. The priority of both parents should be providing their kids with consistent stability in both households. If your ex is open to a rational discussion, this could be an option for you.

Q: Is It Possible That I Could Lose Custody?

A: Unfortunately, there is always the possibility that you could lose custody. Custody battles are often unpredictable, but they are still reliant on hard, tangible evidence. If you can provide a stable home life for your kids and have no history of neglect or abuse, there is no logical reason why you shouldn’t be able to maintain at least joint custody of your children.

Contact Us Today

At Stange Law Firm, we can help you figure out a plan to protect your kids’ welfare in a divorce. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about your case.