Not only is the divorce process stressful on both spouses, but it may also have a significant impact on the children. Whilst the best interests of the children will always be at the heart of a parent's decisions, it is not always easy to know which route to take.

Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce the emotional toll that divorce can have on children. Outlined below are three ways to help children through the divorce procedure.

Communicate openly

Often, adults attempt to protect children by shielding them from the reasoning behind their divorce. Hiding facts about your divorce or being dishonest could negatively impact the child, and they may even blame themselves. Honest conversations that are age-appropriate could end up helping children to cope with the divorce process.

The love you have for your spouse is infinite, and now you want to share that love with a person that both of you can raise and take care of. Although the possibility of adoption is open, you may want a child with your or your loved one's genetics. Fortunately, you can make your dreams of parenthood a reality with a surrogacy agreement in Illinois. However, there are important requirements you must comply with if you want to expand your family this way.

How surrogacy works

Good news: Illinois is one of the most surrogate-friendly states. If you decide to become a surrogate parent in Illinois, you can establish paternity before birth, set the terms of the pregnancy and get legal protection when the child is born. Same-sex couples and different-sex couples must follow the same steps to welcome a new child through surrogacy. The only difference is that same-sex couples must decide who will be genetically related to the child. However, that does not mean that everyone can become a surrogate parent.

Eligibility

The people who want to become surrogate parents must comply with certain requirements to set up the agreement. The woman who will bear the child has other requirements they also have to satisfy. A surrogacy agreement would be valid and enforceable only if those involved are eligible, which means that:

If you're going through a divorce as a parent, you should aim to reduce conflict as much as you can. At least attempt to be civil with your ex as you sort things out.

This may not feel fair. Maybe they were unfaithful to the marriage, and you feel like your outrage is justified. But it is best for the children.

The problem is that a high-conflict divorce can be very hard on them. It's stressful. It takes a long time. Some parents use their kids as pawns. All of this makes it harder for children to adjust, and it can make them feel like the divorce is their fault. Even if your feelings are justified, if you're able to keep them to yourself, know that you are doing what is best for your children, even though it's harder for you.

It wasn't until the Supreme Court stepped in and ruled that the Title VII prohibitions against sexual discrimination apply to transgender employees that trans people gained any measure of security in their workplace.

That doesn't always help trans workers get past the front door, however.

One of the first obstacles trans employees face is on the job application

Many transgender people would prefer not to reveal their status to prospective employers until they've gone through the hiring process. That's the best way to avoid losing a job opportunity simply because the person making the hiring decision is prejudiced.

Como si tomar decisiones tan importantes como pasar por un divorcio no fueran lo suficientemente problemáticas por sí mismas, el contexto de las personas involucradas puede complicar todavía más la situación. No contar aun con toda la documentación que lo certifique como residente legal estadounidense seguramente le haga pensar dos veces cada decisión que para usted pueda suponer ponerse al descubierto.

Es así como pensar en solicitar la tenencia de sus hijos tras el divorcio podría parecerle en primera instancia una muy mala idea, especialmente si su excónyuge cuenta con la documentación en regla. Los miedos y las inseguridades entran en juego, pudiendo disuadirlo de tomar otro camino al que inicialmente usted eligió, haciéndole que se plantee cuál será la mejor decisión al fin de cuentas. Estas preocupaciones son razonables, pero es de suma importancia que usted se ponga al tanto de la existencia de derechos y leyes que lo resguardan, protegiendo tanto su bienestar como el de sus hijos.

¿Ser una persona indocumentada lo inhabilita para solicitar la tenencia de sus hijos?

La respuesta es no, el solo hecho de no tener papeles no es técnicamente un impedimento. La condición de inmigrante, tanto ilegal como legal , no es por lo general considerada un factor determinante (enlace en inglés) en sí mismo a la hora de dictaminar si la persona es apta para recibir la custodia de un niño. Sin embargo, como al tomar decisiones de custodia los jueces se enfocan en elegir lo que será en pos del mejor interés del niño, si un padre corre peligro de ser deportado, esto sí puede incidir.