People in Florida may have seen a recent editorial in the New York Times about one man's struggle to cope with his divorce. The man told a tale that many divorced fathers can relate to, but had a happy, rewarding ending. After dealing with an intense period of depression, alienation and feelings of helplessness, he was able to secure a custody arrangement that worked for him and allowed him to be a part of his children's' lives, and allowed him to become a better, stronger father.
Many dads grow accustomed to shared parental responsibilities during a marriage. But after a divorce, they may feel overwhelmed by the situation. Fathers ma have a feeling that they have to do everything for their children they may have once taken for granted. On the other hand, they might have a longing to spend more time caring for their children but cannot get the time sharing arrangement they desire.
Being a single father may be initially painful, but there is light at the end of the tunnel when fathers are able to establish solid bonds with their children on their own terms, and in an environment that is likely to be less stressful than an unhappy marriage. The father in the New York Times article told a deeply personal tale, but one that many divorced fathers may encounter and know has the potential to build maturity and personal growth unlike any other challenge.
Fathers have a constitutionally protected right to spend time and be a meaningful and constant part of their children's development. But, it can be jeopardized by a combative spouse who wants to interfere or deprive a dad of this right. Dads in this situation should always enlist the help of an experienced family law attorney to get their child custody situation on solid ground.
Source: NY Times "When divorce makes a better dad," Thomas Matlack, Jan. 30, 2013
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