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Teens may experience troubles when their parents divorce

Divorce can create an enormous level of stress for the separating spouses. The dissolution of a marriage represents a tragic and unfortunate event that can lead to anxiety, depression and other forms of mental anguish. However, these feelings can also spread to any children in the family. Divorce could have a particularly strong effect on teenagers in Michigan.

A teen troubled by divorce could experience many different behavioral problems. He or she might experience trouble in school, battle substance abuse, exhibit anger management problems and more. Teens could even contemplate suicide. Therefore, parents, teachers and others should not dismiss troubling behavior as serious problems could develop.

The parents’ behavior may dramatically affect the way the teen handles the divorce. If the parents divorce amicably and show respect for one another, the impact on the teen might not be as harmful. However, a bitter divorce that features tremendous anger and resentment between the parents, could cause severe emotional problems for the teen.

Parents might help their teen through tough times by maintaining a close and loving relationship. Talking with the teen and showing a caring attitude may go far. Unfortunately, some parents take anger out on their children or otherwise neglect them during the divorce. The psychological toll of such behaviors might negatively affect the teen severely.

Working toward an amicable divorce settlement could help all members of the household. Clients and their attorneys might attempt to avoid complex, stressful divorce proceedings. Unfortunately, not every case can end in settlement. Therefore, parents might wish to take steps to ensure the difficulties of the proceedings don’t carry over to the relationship with a teenage child.

Family law litigation might prove complicated and present far-reaching consequences. If it comes to this, spouses may wish to retain an attorney who understands the stress divorcing families experience.