For many separating couples, the breakdown of a relationship or marriage is characterised as a highly distressing period in their lives filled with emotional instability and financial uncertainty. Inevitably these stresses and worries infiltrate into all aspects of your home life, impacting on all parties involved including children.

Previously, there have been numerous studies into the physiological impact of divorce on children, assessing how change in family structure can impact their emotional psyche. The latest study carried out on 10,000 families in Sweden has developed this theory further, arguing that they have found evidence to support the fact that stressful life events in childhood such as divorce or separation can increase the risk of child developing type 1 diabetes by up to 30 percent.
The study was conducted on families with children aged two to fourteen years old who did not have the condition, taking into account all environmental and social factors.

The science behind the theory draws a link between high levels of physiological stress and increased insulin demands and resistance which the researchers argue can be attributed to the development of type 1 diabetes. Whilst the results collected study may require more research to further substantiate their claim, it reasserts important issue of protecting a child’s emotional and social well being where parents are going through a divorce or separation.

Achieving a peaceful and civil resolution between both parties must be a key priority, one of which can hardly be achieved through lengthy court battles which foster conflict and animosity. Although in some cases court intervention may be the last solution, parents must pause to consider the benefits of collaborative law and alternative dispute resolution.

Understandably, children are a key emotive issue during divorce proceedings often causing contention where there is a conflict in opinion between parties. In any case, a child’s needs should formulate the foundations for any negotiation, with their best interests being the first and foremost priority. A sensitive and constructive approach is needed in order to achieve the best outcome for both the child and family. There are a number of out of court solutions available to couples, allowing partners to work through issues in environment they feel comfortable through mediated discussion and negotiation.

Here at Farleys our specialist Family Law team have a wealth of expertise in this area of law, advising clients on all aspects of child law and divorce. For further information or to speak to a solicitor regarding the options available to you please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0845 050 1958. Alternatively please complete an online enquiry form.