Broaching the Topic of Divorce With Your Children: A Legal Perspective

The decision to divorce is incredibly difficult, but the process of telling your children about this development is arguably even harder. While you might have various ideas about how to approach this challenging conversation, an experienced divorce attorney in Atlanta could have unique legal insights worth considering. What kind of legal implications could this conversation have, and how can you prepare effectively?

Avoid Blaming Your Ex 

When discussing your divorce with the children, avoid playing the “blame game.” Specifically, you might want to avoid blaming your ex for the divorce. This is important not only when you break the news to your young ones, but also throughout the rest of the divorce.

Georgia family courts take “parental alienation” very seriously. Child psychologists coined this term, and it occurs when you sabotage your ex’s relationship with your children. One of the “best interest factors” courts consider is the extent to which each parent encourages the children to continue having a relationship with the other parent.

As a result, it might be best to remain vague about the specific reason for the divorce. Even if your ex is guilty of serious misconduct such as cheating, domestic violence, substance abuse, or crime, you should avoid denigrating them in front of your children. Instead, consider saying something like “we’ve grown apart” or “it’s just not working out between us anymore.”

Consider Having the Discussion Alongside Your Ex

You might also want to break the news to your children alongside your ex. Although this might be challenging after a difficult breakup, child psychologists generally agree that it is often beneficial to present a “united front” in front of your children.

Even though you’re telling your children that the relationship is over, you can still show a sense of togetherness that could make your children more optimistic about the future. Specifically, your children may believe that the entire family will continue to have a healthy relationship even after the divorce is over.

Don’t Overpromise

Many parents assure their children that “everything is going to be okay” during these painful conversations. While that might be true, it is important not to overpromise. For example, you might want to avoid saying things like “nothing will change” or “you can spend as much time with me as you want.” These things might not actually be true, as shared custody is the most common outcome in modern divorces.

Children have surprisingly good memories, and they will point out any promises you break. Broken promises can also add to an already difficult and turbulent experience.

Can a Divorce Lawyer in Atlanta Help Me? 

While every parent must decide for themselves how to approach this challenging conversation, a divorce lawyer in Atlanta could offer many helpful insights. Parents may wish to raise this topic during their initial discussions with divorce attorneys, alongside questions about alimony, custody, and property division. Continue this conversation with Buckhead Family Law today.

Source: 

psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/parental-alienation