The Impact of Divorce on Children

Children are often a central point of conflict in a divorce, and ironically, parents are typically concerned about how the conflict will impact their children. Conflict is inevitable when people separate, but it is important to avoid a cycle of conflict.

While you may try your hardest to hide arguments and disagreements from your children, it is likely that your children are more perceptive than you may think. Kids pick up on tense conversations and subtle disagreements, and so it is important for parents to extricate themselves from a vortex of anger and disappointment for the sake of their children. Studies show couples who cooperate produce children who generally feel less stressed and more at peace with a less cohesive family unit.

Another important factor to consider is the long-term developmental effects of divorce on children. It is likely your children will experience a time of emotional turmoil at least once as a result of the drastic changes in family life. Studies suggest younger children may adjust better to their parents’ divorce because they will grow up with separated parents and will thus accept the atypical environment as normal.

Older children may have a more difficult time adjusting to a divorce. As teenagers transition into an identification process, they start to navigate through romantic relationships for the first time. If they experience this process at the same time as their parents begin the process of separating, it may disrupt the process of assessing how they should establish relationships. It should be noted, however, that everyone copes with divorce differently, and children may react in a multitude of ways to their parents’ split.

I would recommend individual counseling no matter the situation as I understand how stressful it is to go through a divorce. In many ways, a divorce is similar to a death in the family. Children lose a family. You lose a partner and a home. The impact of a divorce is widespread and so it is important to confide in someone when anger, sadness and disappointment become overwhelming. Sometimes talking it out is the best solution.

If you have any questions or concerns about Mediation, or would like to
schedule a complimentary mediation consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact me today!
Leyla Balakhane is a Family Law Mediator in the Los Angeles area
and can be reached at 424.235.4173

Sue Gramacy

October 25, 2022.

I recommend Leyla Balakhane for resolving family disputes. She listens carefully, appreciates the emotions and needs that underline each conversation . She is genuinely concerned with the well being of all parties involved. She is very effective. What’s great is she always focuses on the best interest of the children. I have worked with Leyla for over 10 years and have watched her work her magic with families. Sue Gramacy

Stacey Lisk

October 14, 2022.

Leyla Balakhane was one of the supervising mediators that worked with us at Edmund D Edelman Children’s Court. Given that she was one of the top mediators working on unlawful detainer cases, she was referred by a judge who found her to be incredibly gifted in what she does and felt that she would be a great asset in working with families. Leyla has a natural ability to connect with the families and helping them reach agreements that is far above whats required. Given that she was very interested in growing in her practice, she was able to help create a more in-depth and detailed parenting checklist which led to a higher success rate in or mediations at the Children’s Court. Because of Leyla many families have more profound and insightful agreements. I would add supervising mediator

Your RN Attorney Jennifer Johnston Terando

October 12, 2022.

Leyla Balakhane is knowledgable, compassionate, and effective. I highly recommend her as a mediator.

Shsavina TehrNi

October 10, 2022.

Thank you Leyla for helping us finalize a very difficult journey. We are able to have a better coparenting relationship because of everything you taught us. We are both very grateful for helping us resolve all issues in an amicable manner.

Rachel Hsiung

March 17, 2022.

Leyla is professional, patient and wonderful person to work with. She’s a good negotiator and listener to help her clients to get amicable results.

Noah Stern

October 9, 2021.

Layla is a superb mediator. She helped my family through a tough time with ease. I highly recommend Leyla for any family going through a challenging time.

sepideh doust

March 28, 2021.

Leyla Balakhane was my supervising mediator at children's courthouse. She taught me great communication tools to implement in my mediation practice. She helps the family, social worker, attorneys, and others involved in the case facilitate meaningful discussion and resolve the issues sent to mediation. Her level of wisdom is uncanny. She is able to bring awareness for parents to make the best decision for their family. I would highly recommend her as a skilled mediator in the field of family mediation.

Zak Shapiro

January 22, 2021.

Leyla is an exemplary mediator for couples going through a divorce. She has the couples best interest in mind at all times through out the mediation process. She truly supports couples in making the best decision for them, whether its to help work towards reconciliation or agree on divorce terms. She helps couple find creative and collaborative solutions for their division of assets and debts. She is patient and understanding of what both parties are going though, and she carefully and thoughtfully helps to find a solution. I Cannot recommend her enough!

Matthew Khorsandi

September 28, 2020.

Leyla is an incredible mediator with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Most importantly, she genuinely cares for the people she works with. Highly recommend.