Making the decision to divorce your spouse is difficult enough, but telling the rest of your family can seem even more challenging. It is difficult to know where to begin, especially if your family members were under the impression that your marriage was going well. In addition to more distant relatives, you also need to figure out how to break the news to your spouse if they are not already aware of your plans to end the marriage. And what about your children? How do you approach this difficult situation?
Before you wade into any problematic conversations, you may want to consult with an experienced divorce attorney in New Jersey as a first step. With their assistance and guidance, you can learn more about the various legal ramifications of these conversations, including what you should and should not say to family members. You can also learn more about the entire divorce process, allowing you to move forward with confidence and efficiency.
Speaking to Your Children
Speaking to your children about your divorce can be especially challenging, and it is probably best to get help from a child psychologist or a similarly trained professional if you want to limit the emotional impact of this conversation. That being said, there are a few things you should keep in mind from a purely legal perspective. It is not a good idea to speak negatively about your spouse in front of your children if you are going through a divorce.
This can cause issues with your custody battle, as judges do not look kindly on spouses who spread rumors and fail to cooperate with their exes. In addition, you should avoid using your child to gather information about your ex. Generally speaking, forcing a child to “pick sides” will not reflect well on your fitness as a parent.
Speaking to Your Spouse
Speaking to your spouse can also be difficult. You might want to raise the possibility of a collaborative divorce, as this can be cheaper, less stressful, more private, and faster than a “normal” litigated divorce. In order to experience these benefits, however, both spouses must agree to the process. You should also avoid being overly combative or accusatory towards your spouse – especially on social media. These social media posts can be used as evidence against you at a later date if you are not careful. It is best to be as professional and as courteous as possible without letting your emotions affect you.
Speaking to Other Relatives
What about speaking to parents, siblings, uncles, and other distant relatives? In this situation, you might want to tell your family members not to get involved. It is best to maintain a healthy distance, as these family members can cause more problems than they solve in many cases.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified divorce attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. Over the years, we have assisted many spouses with their divorces, proving that even the most difficult situations can be handled in a confident, efficient manner. Whether you are just taking your first steps toward divorce or this process is already well underway, we can guide you toward a positive resolution. Book your consultation today to learn more.