top of page

Higher Standards Expected by Military Veterans in Family Court Cases



Military veterans may hold their family law attorneys, the guardian ad litem (GAL), and the child's and family therapist to a higher standard due to their experiences and expectations regarding protection and advocacy. Here are some reasons why veterans may have greater expectations:


Trust in Professionals: Veterans often have a strong belief in the integrity and professionalism of those in positions of authority, including legal and mental health professionals. They may expect that these professionals will prioritize the best interests of the child and work diligently to protect them from parental alienation.


Military Training: Military training emphasizes discipline, loyalty, and a sense of duty to protect and serve. Veterans may transfer these values and expectations to professionals involved in family law cases, particularly when it comes to safeguarding their children's well-being.


Experiences with Adversity: Many veterans have experienced challenging and high-stress situations during their military service. As a result, they may have developed a resilience mindset and a belief that obstacles can be overcome with the right strategies and support. They may expect that professionals involved in their child custody cases will demonstrate similar determination in combatting parental alienation.


Advocate for Their Child's Well-being: Veterans may view themselves as advocates for their children's well-being, especially if they have experienced separation due to military duties. They may feel a heightened responsibility to protect their child from any harm, including parental alienation. Consequently, they may place greater expectations on professionals to recognize and address this issue effectively.


Impact on Mental Health: Military service can bring unique challenges and may increase the likelihood of mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. Veterans may view the well-being of their children as paramount, especially if they are concerned about the potential negative impact of parental alienation on their own mental health and that of their child.


Desire for Resolution: Veterans often have a strong desire to find resolutions and overcome obstacles. When they believe that the system is not effectively addressing parental alienation, they may become frustrated and expect professionals involved in their case to go above and beyond to find a satisfactory resolution for their child's best interests.


It is important to note that while veterans may have higher expectations, it is crucial for professionals to approach each case with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to advocating for the child's well-being. Collaboration and open communication between the veteran, professionals, and the legal system can help address these concerns and work towards a resolution that prioritizes the child's needs and minimizes the impact of parental alienation.

5 views

Comments


bottom of page