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By LegalMatters Staff • Separated or divorced parents in the midst of preparing a parenting plan should put aside any anger or resentment they feel toward their ex-partner,
“Letting your emotions take control could lead you to verbally abuse the other parent, which could have serious consequences,” says Edmonton family lawyer Jaskiran Bajwa.
“If your case is before the court or a mediator, any vindictiveness will reflect badly on you. Your ability to provide a stable and safe environment for the children may be called into question. This could result in you not receiving equal parenting time,” she adds.
Bajwa says verbal abuse will increase resentment and hostility between you and your ex and can negatively affect the ability to co-parent cooperatively.
“Verbal abuse between parents can be extremely harmful to a child’s emotional and psychological well-being,” she says. “Witnessing or overhearing abusive interactions can cause trauma and long-lasting emotional scars.”
Bajwa explains that children are caught in the middle during a divorce and may distance themselves from the parent who is making disparaging remarks.
“Remember that the court’s primary concern in custody matters is the best interests of the child,” she says. “If one parent is engaging in verbal abuse that is likely to be viewed unfavourably by the court. In those cases, it is crucial to seek help and take appropriate actions to address and prevent verbal abuse for the sake of the children’s well-being.”
