Divorce isn't easy for the spouses dissolving their marriage. However, at the same time, it is probably much harder on the children involved. While it is virtually impossible to completely prevent and eliminate the emotional fallout that will occur as a result of the divorce, it is possible to makes things a little easier. Here are four tips:

1. Allow Your Child to Speak Openly to the Court.

In a large portion of divorces cases, custody of shared children is a very common and popular issue. As a general rule, the court will want a solution that is in a child's best interests. In some cases, depending on your child's age, the best interests of your child will also include his or her preferences. Therefore, if the court allows a testimony from a child, it is crucial that he or she speak openly about  needs, wants, and wishes. The court will take this information into account when deciding on a final court-ordered custody arrangement.

2. Avoid Making a Custody Exchange a Combat Zone.

Child custody arrangements, even temporary ones until a court-ordered arrangement has been provided, consist of times that parents will swap custody or visit shared children. This is for a predetermined amount of time. Keep in mind that this is an emotional time already, so you want to avoid fighting with the other parent during these exchanges. Parental bickering should be kept at a minimum during this time for your child's sake. Otherwise, it could be used against you in court to limit your future visitation rights.

3. Develop Vacation Schedules while Considering the Other Parent's Schedule.

Whether it is summer, Christmas vacation, or spring break, family vacations are very popular. However, it isn't uncommon for one parent to "forget" about the other parent, who would like to see his or her child. Make sure to take this into consideration when planning a vacation. Contact your ex about your plans and try to work around both of your schedules. Otherwise, you may find yourself in mediation rather than at the beach or on a cruise.

4. Remember That Parental Child Abductions Can Occur.

Although you don't want to think of your ex-spouse as the kind to kidnap your shared child, emotions can get the best of people, including your ex. Therefore, you need to take the proper precautions to protect your children. If you currently have physical custody of your child, consider requesting supervised visitation or even travel restrictions for the other parent. This could prevent your ex from taking your child away without adequate permission.

Whatever the outcome is in any divorce, the child's best interests should always be kept in mind. This helps to keep the parents on track emotionally while also assisting them in making the most appropriate legal decisions. If you would like advice on your individual situation, consider consulting with a divorce attorney in your area, like one from Finocchio & English, for a little bit of guidance.