The Generational Cycle of Divorce

Q: Are children of divorce more likely to get divorced?

Phoenix divorce attorneys help people go from “I do” to “I’m done” every day. They help them divide up their marital property and go their separate ways. If they have minor children, they work out child support, as well as custody and visitation—known in Arizona as legal decision making and parenting time, respectively. 

How does divorce impact the children in the long term? Specifically, does being a child of divorce mean they are doomed to repeat the mistakes of their parents and fail at their own marriages?

Children of divorce vs. children of parents who stayed married

Studies have shown that children of divorce are more likely to divorce than children of parents who stayed married. And when both spouses were children of divorce, the likelihood of divorce was even higher than when only one spouse came from a divorced home. 

A popular theory explaining this finding points to parents’ examples in the commitment department. When children of intact marriages witness their parents fighting and staying married, they tend to learn to work through the differences in their own marriages. But children of divorce witness their parents fighting and bailing on the marriage—and they are more likely to follow suit. Though in some cases, children recognize their parents’ shortcomings and vow not to make the same mistakes in their own marriages.

When marriages fail, parents should do their best to co-parent after divorce so as not to perpetuate the cycle of divorce in their children. It is generally in the best interest of the children to have both parents involved in legal decision making and parenting time

Fathers’ rights attorneys help men get or stay involved in their children’s lives. They know that teenage boys are “prone to conflict-heavy relationships” when raised by single moms and that girls without a father in their lives may have less self-confidence, fewer educational prospects, poorer physical health, and less marital success. Many of these girls marry the first guy who shows them any attention to fill the void of their absent father. 

Assistance with divorce in Phoenix

If you need assistance with a divorce or have questions regarding child custody, support or visitation, Cohen Family Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

From our offices in Phoenix, we represent clients throughout Arizona in all matters of family law. We provide a non-judgmental and compassionate approach to handling your matter and we are uniquely qualified to be your advocate.