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It’s a shame, but sometimes pregnancy and divorce are closely related, and expectant mothers could find themselves breaking up from their partners. Just like many other significant life changing events, pregnancy can add tension to even the powerful relationships. IT could be expecting parents are worried about money, the child’s paternity is questioned, or the new baby is simply adding more strain to the already buildup of emotions, divorce could be on the horizon.
How to Deal with Divorce When You’re Pregnant
The following is going to help expectant mothers navigate ending their marriage through this physically and emotionally challenging time in their lives:
Learn If Your State Will Permit You to Get Divorced When Pregnant
For instance, in Arizona, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas the courts are not going to permit a divorce to a married couple while the wife is expecting. The courts prefer waiting until after the baby is born to approach paternity. The court can then establish if appropriate child-associated orders, like child support, need to be added.
Build a Supportive Team and Seek Help from Friends and Family
It’s perfectly fine to seek assistance with meal preparation, housekeeping, childcare for your other children, or simply have someone to talk to and share your emotions. A robust support system will help you navigate this emotionally challenging time. Utilize as much help as you need during the divorce process to reduce stress for both yourself and your unborn child. Additionally, don’t hesitate to continue asking for support after the baby is born—feel free to request family and friends to care for the baby for a few hours so you can get some much-needed rest.
Hire A Good Lawyer
This means locating a lawyer that practices in family law and divorce. Since family law involves a broad range of family matters including marriage, divorce litigation, legal custody and adoption, allocation of assets and property ownership obtained before and throughout the marriage, and a lot more, it’s vital to find a lawyer that has specialized understanding. A board-certified family lawyer is going to have the knowledge and skill required to guide state laws and codes and the trials and appeals of these types of cases. By hiring proficient representation, you are going to save time and strain since they can assist you in understanding your rights, establish the best course of action of your unborn baby’s custody, and explain the legal terminology for you.
Devise A Co-Parenting Plan
Both parents should collaborate on a parenting plan for their child’s upbringing, fostering compromise and selflessness for a positive co-parenting relationship post-divorce.
Recognizing the need to end a marriage can be especially heartbreaking during pregnancy. The challenges of having a baby often strain even robust marriages, leading to role shifts, lifestyle adjustments, and financial stress. As conflicts escalate, divorce may become the inevitable outcome. While not a decision to be taken lightly, sometimes the realization hits that the marriage isn’t thriving, and pregnancy isn’t sufficient reason to endure an unhappy relationship.
If contemplating ending a relationship during pregnancy, consult with a family lawyer. A knowledgeable family law attorney can guide you on your present and post-birth options and rights.
Source:
Pregnancy and divorce. American Pregnancy Association. (2021, July 16). https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/general/pregnancy-and-divorce/.
