Should Siblings Be Separated After Divorce?

Should siblings be separated after a divorce? In the overwhelming majority of cases, the answer to this question is no. An experienced family law attorney will tell you that most siblings tend to fare better when they stay together. However, not every situation is the same.

Benefits of Not Separating Siblings

Moral Support

When their parents decide to split, some children begin to experience feelings of loneliness. By leaning on each other for comfort and support, siblings are able to keep their morale high during challenging times. They may have developed a deep bond that’s hard to break.

Stability

Divorce isn’t always a smooth transition for children. They must adjust to a new living situation. To maintain a sense of stability, your child custody attorney will likely suggest keeping siblings together. When things get tough, most kids love having a bigger brother or sister in their corner.

Less Stress

Many adults consider a divorce to be an agonizing experience. However, you can only imagine the amount of stress that can be placed upon a child. Siblings who live in the same household tend to experience less anxiety. This typically leads to more happiness.

Reasons Why Siblings May Need to Be Separated

Money Woes

Unfortunately, not every family has a lot of money. Finances can become an issue when supporting multiple children on a tight budget. Expenses include food, medical care, clothing, and school supplies. To ensure that the children are adequately taken care of, they may need to be separated. A child custody attorney can advise you on the best route to take.

Safety Concern

Sibling rivalries are quite common. Most of the time, it doesn’t go beyond minor bickering. However, some siblings genuinely hate each other. This could be a legitimate safety concern for parents. The last thing you want is for a child to get physically hurt or suffer emotional trauma. A family law attorney may recommend split custody as the best option.

A Child Prefers to Live With the Other Parent

In some instances, a child may prefer to live with one parent over the other. This is especially true for teenagers. The pros and cons should be carefully considered before making a final decision.

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