How Disputing ex-Spouses Can Navigate their Child’s Preferred Pronouns in DuPage County

 Posted on July 28, 2022 in Child Custody

Preferred pronouns are intended to reflect a person's gender identity. Some individuals wish others to use their preferred third-person pronouns when speaking to or about them. The burgeoning prevalence of children and teens adopting preferred pronouns can sometimes be confusing and even controversial. Joint custody disputes regarding a child's wishes to be referred to with pronouns that do not correspond with the child's sex assigned at birth can be complex. Some parents may believe their child is going through a phase or identity crisis, while other parents choose to respect their child's wishes.

Linguistics aside, the best interest of the child is always at the forefront of the courts. A family lawyer can help guide disputing divorced parents to agreeable solutions that serve the child's happiness and good health.  

Standard Pronouns and Gender-Neutral Pronouns

Children and teens who identify as a gender or multiple genders outside the male and female binary may wish to use pronouns that reflect their gender identity and gender expression. The following list of pronouns and neopronouns includes the subject, object, dependent possessive, independent possessive, and reflexive word structure. Gender non-conforming individuals may use neopronouns, third-person personal pronouns that are outside the standard pronouns.

How to Resolve Disputes about Gender Non-conforming Child

For most children of divorce, undergoing counseling with a certified therapist can help them cope with trauma and stress caused the divorce and other life experiences. A gender non-conforming child and family may benefit from the guidance of a therapist. Helping a gender non-conforming child can sometimes be precarious. According to a 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics study, nearly 40 percent of non-binary and transgender youths had attempted suicide. 

When a family therapist does not resolve the disputing parents’ conflict, a family law attorney may be able to help the parents resolve disputes regarding parenting time and parental responsibilities. Mediation may be a useful tool for parents who disagree on child-related issues. A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) advocates for and works on behalf of the minor during custody disputes, divorce, and domestic cases. GALs work for the judge with the objective to protect the child and serve the child’s best interest in a family law case. Their investigation affects and could possibly sway the judge’s final decision. Trained and accredited through the Department of Children and Family Services, a GAL can be called as a witness to offer insight regarding the child’s best interests. 

Contact a DuPage County Family Law Attorney

At Pesce Law Group P.C., a full-service family law firm, our reliable attorneys are compassionate, competent, and aggressively aim for positive solutions. With our court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), our team of professionals is dedicated to advocating for children and families. For a free consultation, contact a Burr Ridge family lawyer at 630-230-1002.

Sources:

https://www.glaad.org/reference/trans-terms

https://parentsandfamily.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/Family-Parent-Guide-to-Gender-Pronouns-_English.pdf

https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/grammarpunct/genderneutralpronouns/

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/4/e20174218/76767/Transgender-Adolescent-Suicide-Behavior