• The right not to be asked to “choose sides” or be put in a situation where I would have to take sides between my parents.
• The right to be treated as a person and not as a pawn, possession or a negotiating chip.
• The right to freely and privately communicate with both parents.
• The right not to be asked questions by one parent about the other.
• The right not to be a messenger.
• The right to express my feelings.
• The right to adequate visitation with the non-custodial parent which will best serve my needs and wishes.
• The right to love and have a relationship with both parents without being made to feel guilty.
• The right not to hear either parent say anything bad about the other.
• The right to the same educational opportunities and economic support that I would have had if my parents did not divorce.
• The right to have what is in my best interest protected at all times.
• The right to maintain my status as a child and not to take on adult responsibilities for the sake of the parent’s well being.
• The right to request my parents seek appropriate emotional and social support when needed.
• The right to expect consistent parenting at a time when little in my life seems constant or secure.
• The right to expect healthy relationship modeling, despite the recent events.
• The right to expect the utmost support when taking the time and steps needed to secure a healthy adjustment to the current situation.

Though the origin of the Children of Divorce Bill of Rights is unknown (I found numerous versions online), this is definitely something I wish all parents of divorce were given.

What do you think? Is this complete? What other topics do you wish this Bill of Rights would address?

Photo Credit: Woodley Wonder Works