One of the most common (incorrect) thoughts about children from divorced homes is in regards to the children’s future marital success. It has often been the consensus that children of divorced parents are likely to have healthy, long-lasting marriages because they "learned what not to do" from their parents. This seems to make sense at first glance, as seeing the negative effects of an event that occurs in the past would seem to point towards a person avoiding repeating that event in their own life.

However, some studies find this to be untrue. According to a 2005 study by the National Council of Family Relations, children in these situations are actually more than twice as likely to divorce as adults in comparison to those coming from traditional family homes. Additionally, children from divorced homes have difficulty cultivating a healthy relationship with their parents.

In spite of what we may think, studies suggest that a parents' divorce harms the child's view of commitment and marriage in general. According to David Popenoe, a Rutgers University divorce expert, children from divorced homes learn much of their view about these topics by watching their parents and other adults close to them. Seeing a divorce during developmental periods prevents them from being exposed to a healthy, loving relationship in their home.

Though these facts paint divorce in a negative light from the children's perspective, working with an experienced divorce attorney can help protect your rights and help you and your children both legally and emotionally through this difficult process. If you and your spouse have children and find yourselves unable to resolve your marital differences, hiring an experienced lawyer can be among the keys to ensuring that the divorce proceedings move as quickly and smoothly as possibly for both yourself and your children.

There are a variety of options for divorce proceedings and settlements, including collaborative and neutral party proceedings. Each of these methods encourages mutual cooperation, and all of the negotiations occur outside the courtroom setting. Because divorce proceedings involve more than just a legal split of two individuals, your attorney can also assist you in all matters relating to assets, finances and custody.