Family law plays a critical role in resolving disputes involving divorce, child custody, and other complex family matters. While legal outcomes are essential, Marisa K. Conway, Founder and CEO of Presence & Persistence Life Coaching LLC, a registered nurse and author of Shattered Bonds, Resilient Heart, believes the emotional and psychological effects of prolonged conflict deserve greater attention throughout the process
Leveraging her work as an emergency room nurse and coach, Marisa K. Conway has developed a deep interest in understanding how relationships, chronic stress, and the endless court battles affect people’s identities. Her areas of expertise include parental alienation and family estrangement, which, according to her, are only a small part of the big picture
The psychological impact beyond the courtroom
For many families, the end of a court proceeding does not necessarily mark the end of emotional distress. Complex family law cases can involve months or even years of ongoing stress, affecting not only parents but also children and extended family members
Research from the U.S. Census Bureau found that nearly one-third of American children experience parental divorce before reaching adulthood. The study also found that parental divorce was associated with lower adult earnings and reduced college attendance, while increasing the likelihood of incarceration, premature mortality, and teen births. Researchers concluded that changes in household income, neighbourhood quality, and proximity to parents accounted for between 25% and 60% of these long-term outcomes. These findings suggest that the effects of family conflict can extend well beyond the conclusion of legal proceedings, influencing outcomes long into adulthood.
Additional research published in the Journal of Population Ageing found that childhood parental divorce was associated with accelerated biological ageing later in life among participants born in the later 20th century. The researchers found that more than half of this association was explained by chronic depressive symptoms, lower educational attainment, and smoking, suggesting that the effects of parental divorce may extend beyond emotional wellbeing to influence long-term health outcomes
For Conway, these findings reinforce the importance of viewing family disputes through both legal and psychological lenses
“I don’t believe this is solely a legal issue or solely a mental health issue. It’s where both disciplines intersect.”
Rather than focusing exclusively on legal outcomes, she encourages broader conversations about how prolonged disputes and ongoing family challenges can affect emotional stability, communication, and long-term well-being
When conflict begins to affect identity
Parental alienation was the researcher’s initial focus on studying the effects of breakup, but her interests progressively shifted towards understanding mechanisms through which individuals can cope with long-term negative situations
Conway became fascinated by the processes taking place within individuals exposed to prolonged crises, during which they might start doubting their judgment and self-confidence
These experiences are not limited to family law matters. Similar patterns can emerge during divorce, caregiving responsibilities, workplace disputes, reputational challenges, grief, or other significant life transitions where stress becomes chronic rather than temporary
Why emotional regulation matters
Emotional regulation is often considered an important but overlooked aspect of navigating legal proceedings. Rather than suppressing difficult emotions, it involves recognising emotions, understanding their influence, and responding thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively
These skills can be particularly valuable during family court proceedings, mediation, custody negotiations, and other emotionally charged legal situations, where communication often has significant consequences. Maintaining emotional steadiness is not about appearing unaffected by adversity. Instead, it is about preserving clarity, dignity, and sound judgement during challenging circumstances
Encouraging greater collaboration
Conway believes stronger collaboration between family lawyers, mediators, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals could provide more comprehensive support for families navigating complex legal disputes. While each profession serves a distinct role, she sees value in approaches that address both legal outcomes and emotional wellbeing
She is careful to acknowledge that every family situation is different and that there are rarely simple solutions. However, recognising the emotional dimensions of prolonged disputes may help professionals support families more comprehensively alongside the legal process
This broader perspective has also influenced her approach, which increasingly explores resilience, stress management, and lifestyle factors that may support people navigating prolonged conflict
Expanding the conversation
Although parental alienation remains an important issue, it should also be viewed within the broader context of how ongoing family disputes affect psychological wellbeing. Whether navigating divorce, family estrangement, caregiving responsibilities, workplace disputes, or reputational challenges, many people face similar struggles with self-trust, resilience, and emotional stability
While the legal system is designed to resolve disputes, recovery often extends beyond the courtroom. Greater collaboration between legal and mental health professionals may help ensure families receive support that addresses not only legal outcomes but also the emotional challenges that often accompany lengthy legal proceedings and difficult family circumstances
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.
BridgeTower Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
BridgeTower Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
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