Telling Your Children About Your Upcoming Divorce

By William J. Leininger, Sarasota Attorney-Mediator.  May 1, 2022

Perhaps one of the most challenging parts of the divorce process is informing your loved ones that your marriage is ending. Most people will meet you with questions or concerns about your divorce, such as wanting to know what caused the marital breakup. However, what is even more difficult is telling your children about your divorce! Letting them know that their parents will no longer be together can be challenging for them to digest.

We understand how difficult this time can be for you and your family. That's why Sarasota Divorce Attorney William J Leininger is here to provide you with tips on how to tell your children about your upcoming divorce.

Honesty Is Always The Best Policy

You might find yourself wanting to avoid breaking the news to your kids or giving them half-truths. However, this will only damage your relationship with your children. If you and your spouse have decided on a divorce, it is best to be honest and direct with your children. Keeping secrets can only last so long and will further complicate your process. Attorney Leininger's 43 years of experience as a Divorce Atorney has convinced him that while it may feel difficult at the moment, it is better, in the long run, to communicate in a straightforward manner.

Break The News As a Team

Another important thing to consider is who will break the news to your children. It is best that it comes from you and your ex-spouse as a unified front. If you wait and avoid breaking the news, there is the possibility that they will hear about it accidentally from someone else, like another family member. Instead, sit your children down as a family and tell them about your divorce as co-parents.

Timing Is Crucial

You will also need to keep in mind the timing of your conversation. You don't want to do it at an inappropriate time, such as before school or when you will feel rushed. Expect your kids to have questions about the divorce, as well as need comfort and reassurance from you and their other parent. By rushing the process, you may leave your kids with unanswered questions or hurt feelings, allowing them to feel lost and without a guide.

Demonstrate Compassion

This will be difficult news for your children to process and they deserve compassion from each parent. It will be crucial for you to reassure them so they know that they are not the root cause of the divorce. It is not uncommon for children to assume that their actions or something they have done resulted in their parents separating. Step in before this can happen and reassure them that they did not cause the divorce. You can also acknowledge that you understand these changes and that you will be there for them.

Maintaining The Conversation

While breaking the initial news is difficult, you should continue to have conversations with your children about the divorce. They deserve to have all of their questions and concerns addressed throughout the process. Give them the opportunity to ask questions regularly, so they can feel confident and understand what is happening in their lives.

Summary of Key points To Remember

Telling your children about your divorce is not an easy experience for anyone involved. However, with these key suggestions, you can approach this in a more confident manner. Remember to be honest and direct with your children, and have both you and your ex-spouse involved. Pick an appropriate time to break the news and utilize compassionate language throughout. Know that this conversation will continue to take place over time as well.

Sarasota Child Custody Attorney William J Leininger understands how delicate child custody and divorce can be. That's why he is here to help you navigate the process. He will gather the details of your case, helping you make important decisions about you and your family. WIth attorney  Leininger  in your corner, you won't have to face this experience alone.
 

To schedule a Free 30 minute video or telephone consultation on Divorce with Mr. Leininger, call us at (941) 727-5555 or visit us online at SarasotaDivorce.Org