Child custody issues are among the most difficult to manage during and after a divorce. And, unlike some issues that come up during a divorce, they last long beyond the moment when the divorce is finalized.  It is extremely common for a parenting plan to have to be adjusted numerous times after a divorce, especially when schedules and circumstances change and as the children age.  But, as you co-parent, what do you do when your children tell you that they are miserable?  AMS Mediation of Burnsville, MN offers a wide variety of parenting and divorce mediation services that can help you navigate difficulties with child custody issues during and after your divorce.

Child Custody Issues

Very often, when children may express their dissatisfaction with the amount of time they are spending with one parent or the other, or a desire to change the custody arrangement, the root cause of this unhappiness may not be related to the custody arrangement at all.  Instead, the difficulty may in fact be a result of ongoing conflict between the parents and/or poor definition or implementation of the parenting plan.  Open and honest communication is a key component of any co-parenting arrangement, and your children will pick up on tension if it is there.

Here are some tips to try if your child/children are communicating that they are miserable:

  • Refine your parenting plan: Add additional detail and make sure that you, your ex-spouse and your children are clear about the agreed upon parenting plan and how it will be implemented. Add detail where needed and then make sure that you and your ex-spouse are consistent in implementing the plan.
  • Find strong support for your child or children: Rather than going back through the court system to make changes to your custody arrangements, you may be better served to connect your child with a therapist or counselor who can help him/her sort through the issues they are struggling with to achieve a more positive and healthy outlook.
  • Improve overall communication: If your child is communicating unhappiness, frustration or anger about your custody arrangement, take the opportunity to make sure that your communication with your ex-spouse and your children is open, honest and clear. This will encourage the same from your children and may uncover the root of your child/children’s real concern.

Get Support For Your Family

AMS Mediation has been providing strong parenting support services to those in the Minnesota area for more than a decade. If you would like more information about parenting or divorce mediation services, call 952-252-1492 to set up a time for a free one hour consultation.

A MESSAGE FROM AMS, LLC - RE: COVID-19

The safety of clients, ourselves, and colleagues is our top priority while we remain available to assist you as you navigate the new and uncharted territory caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Offering All Services Virtually

While providing virtual ADR services was not part of our plan, we have made the necessary accommodations to ensure we can continue to serve our clients during these unsettling times. All services are currently available through virtually. We are using Zoom for videoconferencing. We suggest that you download this app to your phone or the program to your computer at https://zoom.us/download.

 

Limited In-Person Services

We have resumed limited in-person services for sessions with 1 or 2 participants scheduled for a maximum of 2 hours. Masks are required in our building and in session. Availability is subject to change based on local regulations and CDC guidelines.

 

Office Hours

Our office hours remain the same and we remain available by phone and email. The main office number is 952.252.1492. Gabe can be reached via email at gabe@amsmediationplus.com.

 

New Clients Welcome

We offer free 1-hour divorce consultations via Zoom. Potential PC and PTE clients are invited to schedule a free 15-minute phone call. Please call 952.252.1492 to set up an appointment. We are here to help!

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all continue to adapt to these rapidly changing and chaotic times. Stay strong, stay resilient, and stay healthy!

 

Sincerely,
Amber Serwat & Gabe Frye
ADR Professional & ADR Assistant

Divorce Mediation & Dispute Resolution Services - Amber Serwat Mediation

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