Divorce can arise as a natural solution for unhappy couples for a number of reasons. If you are a parent trying to raise your child with a spouse who has very different child-rearing ideals, those differences in parenting styles could be enough to initiate a split.
Keep in mind, however, that divorcing from your spouse does not mark an end to your co-parenting relationship. There will still be a need to cooperate on parental issues, so there are certain things you should anticipate both during and after the divorce process when a difference in parenting styles is the root cause of your separation.
Contention during custody battles
When two parents have their own ideals regarding how to raise their children, neither side is likely to back down when it comes to vying for custody during divorce. While it may be ideal to determine such matters through amicable mediation outside of court, it may not be possible during a contentious custody battle. The process might become long and arduous if the court determines that both parents are well-suited to maintaining custody.
Lack of cooperation in building a parenting plan
After one parent receives primary custody of the child, it is still necessary to draft a parenting plan that outlines each party’s rights and responsibilities going forward. The Massachusetts Family Court provides resources that can help you understand child custody and parenting time decisions, but thorough mediation might be necessary to overcome an unwillingness to cooperate during this stage of the process.
Amicable resolutions through mediation are often preferable in divorce, especially for parents who must maintain a healthy dynamic for their children. Even so, it is important to prepare for the possibility of heated court battles when you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have a heated conflict of ideals.