Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences for a family, especially when children are involved. Led by Channa Borman, a compassionate and dedicated family law attorney with a proven track record in handling divorce cases, our firm is committed to guiding families through these difficult times.
At CE Borman, we understand that one of the hardest conversations you’ll face is explaining your decision to divorce to your children. They may feel confused, upset, or even responsible for the changes in their family. By approaching this conversation with care, empathy, and understanding, you can help ease your children’s emotional burden and help them through divorce.
In this blog, we’ll share how you can tell your children you and your spouse have decided to file for divorce.
Watch the video: How to Tell Your Children You’re Filing for Divorce
1. Reassure Your Children
When you and your spouse decide to tell your children that you are getting divorced, it would be best to do so together. The conversion should begin with reassuring the children that they are not to blame. Children, by nature, are egocentric and often believe they are the cause of their parents’ separation.
For example, they might think, “If only I had done better in school or listened more, this wouldn’t be happening.” It’s crucial to address this misconception head-on.
Key points to stress include:
- The divorce is not their fault.
- Both parents will continue to love and care for them.
- They are still a family, even if things are changing.
2. Avoid Giving Specifics
It can be tempting to explain the reasons for your divorce, but children do not need to know the intricate details of adult issues. Telling them specifics, such as “We’re divorcing because we don’t love each other anymore,” can create unnecessary confusion and emotional distress.
Keep the conversation age-appropriate, private, and vague to protect them from feeling overwhelmed by adult conflicts. Keep in mind the following:
- Avoid discussing blame or specific incidents.
- Focus on the fact that the decision was made by both parents.
- Reassure them that your love for them is unchanged. This will help them have a positive outlook on the situation.
3. Tell Your Children How Much You Love Them
So, if those two above were common sense, this one’s even more so. In times of emotional distress, children need extra reassurance. Make it clear that both parents love them deeply. Both of you created these children, and both of you must parent these children. They must know that while you and your spouse may not be together anymore, you are still united in your love for them.
Let them know:
- Both parents will remain present in their lives.
- They are loved unconditionally.
- Important family events in the future will still include both parents. There’ll be days after they’re 18 when they graduate from college, get married, and have children.
We need to ensure that the relationship between you and your children is one that we don’t ruin during this divorce process.
4. Acknowledge The Pain of Your Children
Your children will experience the pain of divorce just as you do. It’s important to be honest about this while offering support. By being upfront with them in terms of jointly telling them you’re going to file for divorce without sharing unnecessary details and emphasizing your love, you can help them process the changes in their lives. Understand that your children will have their own emotional journey and may need time to adjust.
How a Family Lawyer in Texas Can Help
Going through a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when children are involved. Having a compassionate and experienced family lawyer can ease the burden and ensure that your rights—and your children’s best interests—are protected. Here are some of the ways a family lawyer can assist you:
- Guidance on Legal Rights: Your attorney will help you understand the laws governing property division, child custody, and child support under the Texas Family Code, specifically Chapters 153 and 154, which outline parental rights and child support obligations.
- Creating a Co-Parenting Plan: A family lawyer can assist you in developing a co-parenting plan that works for you and your spouse, keeping your children’s best interests at the forefront.
- Protecting Your Parental Rights: Your lawyer will protect your parental rights throughout the divorce process, including helping with custody negotiations and any potential court hearings.
- Navigating Complex Issues: Issues like child custody and property division can be contentious. An attorney will guide you through the complexities of Texas Family Code § 153.002 (Best Interest of the Child Standard) to ensure the legal decisions are fair and aligned with your family’s needs.
Divorce is never easy, but with the right legal help, you can ensure the process is as smooth as possible for you and your children.
Contact Our Trusted Texas Family Law Attorney at CE Borman
At CE Borman, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the process. We understand the emotional and legal complexities involved and are here to support you before, during, and after your divorce.
Our firm, based in Bryan, Texas, is dedicated to helping families move forward. Our dedicated family law attorneys will be here for you if you need assistance with the divorce process, child custody, or co-parenting strategies.
Contact us today at 979-200-4725 for an initial consultation.
