Georgia readers may have heard accounts of how different individuals left the church after the loss of a loved one or other sort of personal tragedy. However, despite the nearly 50-50 divorce odds for newly married couples, a new study suggests that the effects of divorce may still be as difficult as ever on children.
The study looked at children in divorces where both parents had been religious. Researchers found that it was twice as likely that those children would leave the church, compared to children whose parents remained married.
It’s possible that the children of divorced parents might be disillusioned. However, one professor suggests an alternate, more practical explanation. He believes that the responsibility of teaching religion to those children might simply be overlooked after a divorce.
Although not every parent may desire to teach his or her child religion, this study does illustrate the importance of discussing shared parenting responsibilities after a divorce. An experienced child visitation attorney can help divorced parents realize this goal. A child visitation plan, or parenting plan, does not have to be limited to simple matters of physical custody. Instead, it can also include details about which parent may accompany the child on days of worship, and how religious educational obligations will be shared.
Parents that share joint legal custody of their children will share responsibility for their child’s educational, medical and religious needs. In addition to physical custody, an attorney can also help divorcing couples finance child support and other financial matters pertaining to their child’s needs.
Source: U.S. News and World Report, “Study: Religious Parents’ Divorce May Cause Children to Leave the Church,” Jason Koebler, March 5, 2013
