1977, June, Pg. 967. Family Law Newsletter.

6 Colo.Law. 967

Colorado Lawyer

1977.

1977, June, Pg. 967.

Family Law Newsletter

967Vol. 6, No. 6, Pg. 967Family Law NewsletterPARENTS ARE FOREVER

Editor's Note:

"Parents Are Forever" is now available at 10¢ per copy at the Colorado Bar Association office, 200 West 14th Ave., Denver 80204 (222-9421). Those buying 250 copies or more can purchase the pamphlet for 7¢ per copy.The Family Law Section and the Publications Committee of the Colorado Bar Association have published a pamphlet entitled "Parents Are Forever" for distribution by attorneys to their clients.

The pamphlet contains guidelines for parents involved in dissolution of marriage actions with practical and helpful guidelines for visitation during the pendency of the action and that difficult period from dissolution through emancipation and beyond. In the turmoil of the dissolution action, many of our clients need to be reminded that although marriages may be dissolved, parents are forever.

The pamphlet begins with "A Word from the Judge," attempting to allay the feelings of isolation, despair, anger, depression, loneliness, grief, guilt, failure and loss of self-confidence, offering a choice of approaches a parent may take; either self-pity and the nurturing of bitterness, or the constructive approach for parents towards success, renewed self-confidence and a productive and satisfying future as individuals and parents.

The guidelines are practical, including emphasis on sharing the good memories of the marriage with the children and the needed assurances to the children that they are not the cause of the divorce. The guidelines contain advice on handling the financial hardships that often accompany divorce, suggestions on handling criticism of the other parent, positive steps for a child's need for routines and strong advice regarding firm discipline and over-permissiveness.

Visitation guidelines are set forth in the pamphlet with the goal of assisting parents to maintain positive relationships with their children. Advice is discussed from the points of view of the custodial parent and his or her recognition of the needs of the relationship between the children and the non-custodial parent, as well as the non-custodial parent's recognition of the needs of that relationship with the custodial parent. Points covered in the Visitation Guidelines include...