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difficulty with intimate relationships. They are far more likely to divorce than adults who come from intact families, or even divorced families at peace. |
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Because open conflict is most likely to take place at the time the children go from one home to the other, many psychologists specializing in divorced families now recommend that the number of transition times be reduced in high-conflict situations. Here are some specific recommendations for visitation schedules when open warfare rages: |
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1. For moderate conflict: When parents function well on their own but fight when they are in contact with their ex-spouse, psychologists Mitchell Baris and Carla Garritynote that other creative solutions are necessary. Some of these may be minimizing transitionspackaging visitation into one block per week. For very young children, the midweek visits might be eliminated. For older children, the visits might be consolidated each week. These may need to be handled by a neutral third party or take place in neutral places. |
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2. For moderately severe conflict: When there is constant litigation and sometimes even physical threats or abuse between parents, children suffer extreme emotional scars. In such cases, Baris and Garrity recommend caution. Mental health evaluation is mandatory, and supervised visitation may be recommended if the safety of a child is of concern. |
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3. For severe conflict: In this situation, when children are at immediate risk of physical or sexual abuse, visitation should be supervised and a full mental health evaluation conducted. |
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