Understanding the Impact on Children

A Personal Note from Eric Miller

Caring for the well-being of children is the reason I am truly passionate about this work. I have seen how deeply custody disputes and family conflict can affect young lives. That is why I approach every child custody investigation with the utmost care, compassion, and commitment — because protecting children who are already struggling isn’t just part of the job; it’s the heart of why I do these investigations.

At Miller Investigations, the safety and well-being of children is always our #1 priority.

Divorce and high-conflict custody disputes can be extremely difficult for children. Recent research shows they face elevated risks in several key areas:

• Nearly one-third of American children experience parental divorce before reaching adulthood.

• Children whose parents divorce in early childhood (ages 0–5) have 9–13% lower adult earnings in their mid-to-late 20s.

• Teen birth rates among daughters of divorced parents increase by up to 63%.

• Child mortality risk rises 35–55% in the years following divorce and remains elevated for at least a decade.

• In high-conflict custody cases, children are significantly more likely to experience anxiety, behavioral problems, academic struggles, and emotional distress.

While many children are resilient and adjust well when parents minimize conflict and prioritize stability, the data clearly shows that prolonged disputes and uncertainty can have lasting effects.

That is why we conduct discreet, thorough, and fact-based investigations — gathering clear evidence on parenting fitness, living conditions, cohabitation, substance use, and other relevant factors. Accurate information helps attorneys, courts, and parents make decisions that truly serve the child’s best interests.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau & NBER Working Paper (2025); Institute for Family Studies (2025).