Talking to Your Children About Divorce

If you have already spoken to a divorce lawyer in Garden City, then you may be wondering how and when you need to break the news to your children. Studies have shown that most parents only spend 10 minutes talking to their children about divorce. You need to spend more time than that.   Here is a list of things that you should tell your children.

Tell Them at the Right Time 

You don’t want to wait several weeks to tell your children about the divorce. However, you also don’t want to break the news too soon. Telling the children too early or too soon can cause them unnecessary stress.  It is best to tell your children two or three weeks before everything is set to happen. This will give them enough time to emotionally prepare.

Have a Plan 

You should formulate a plan before you tell your children. The kind of details that you reveal about your case will depend on your children’s ages and maturity levels. You should tell your children the basics, such as who will be living with them in the home and how their day-to-day life is going to change.  

Reassure your children that they are loved, and everything is going to be alright. You should also encourage your children to express their feelings.

Choose Your Words Wisely 

Most important, you should make sure that the children know that this is not their fault. You should also let them know that they still have a family. Additionally, you will need to let your children know that the divorce was not an impulsive decision. It is always a good idea to consult a therapist who concentrates in family matters on these issues.  Your Garden City divorce attorneys, along with a family therapist, can work together to help you determine what you should say.

Call Fass & Greenberg 

Divorce law in New York State can be quite complicated. Issues like child support and child custody can make divorces even more complicated. That is why you need a divorce attorney to help you understand and work towards resolution.