When a divorcing couple has children together, the kids are often the ones who take the news the hardest and who struggle the most with the changing circumstances. This happens for a variety of reasons, and many parents work hard to ease the shock and help their kids get through this difficult time.
This process can be easier when a couple is divorcing relatively amicably, as in the case of actor Orlando Bloom and model Miranda Kerr, who recently announced their impending divorce to the media. Mr. Bloom has spoken out about the split which many fans found shocking. He told reporters that he remains close with Kerr and that they are focusing their efforts on being attentive parents to their two-year-old son.
At such a young age, the couple’s child might not be able to fully understand the changes in his life, but any alteration in routine or less exposure to either parent can have an impact on younger children. This is one reason why it is important to create a co-parenting plan as a part of establishing the initial parameters of a separation while the divorce is still in progress.
Co-parenting plans made during a separation can eventually morph into a template for a final custody arrangement. Or, if the plan that was originally made is not working out, the couple has time to revise it to something that will be more sustainable in the long term. Consulting someone with experience in family law, divorce, and custody arrangements can often be helpful during this process to get an idea of how other families have worked out custody and to make sure that everyone’s right are protected in a divorce.
Source: Christian Post, “Orlando Bloom, Miranda Kerr Divorce: Did Different Lifestyles cause split?” Benge Nsenduluka, Nov. 5, 2013.