Thinking About Divorce? Let’s Talk
If you are seriously considering getting divorced, there are some important conversations that need to happen pretty quickly. While your spouse is obviously one person who will require a few words, there are others you may not have thought about that you really should touch base with.
Your Therapist
If you go through with this, it’s going to turn your life upside down for a bit. So be sure you’ve talked it out with a therapist, clergy, or other trusted individual. What makes you sure this is the right move at this time? What do you expect to happen in the future? Is there a downside? Have you explored every option? Are you prepared financially, emotionally, and mentally to be single again?
Your Lawyer
Whether you anticipate an acrimonious split or one that’s easy, it’s advisable to have your own attorney looking out for your interests. Even in a “friendly” divorce, there can be issues related to property division, child custody and visitation, the parenting plan, and more. Rather than relying on luck to make sure things work out as you’d like, better to have a knowledgeable divorce attorney at bat for you.
Your Spouse
Now it’s time to have that fateful discussion with your spouse. Your goals will be:
- Be honest.
- Be frank.
- Be respectful.
- Be empathetic.
- Listen to concerns.
- Do not provide false hope.
- Provide an anticipated timeline.
- Make a plan to discuss this with the kids.
Your Children
At some point soon the kids need to hear about what’s happening. The conversation will be different depending on the kids’ ages, but one message must be abundantly clear: they are not to blame and are not losing a parent. The adults are divorcing, but the kids will still have both parents to love and care for them and to cheer them on through life. Yes, things will be very different and that will take some getting used to. But you will adjust and remain a family—just a new kind of family. The love between each parent and the kids will remain as strong as ever. Listen and reassure, now and forever.
Teachers
It could be helpful for your children’s teachers to get a heads up about what’s going on. They may be able to look for and alert you to changes in behavior, attitude, or health if they understand that major changes are afoot.
Family and Friends
If you haven’t already, family and friends will want to know about your divorce plans so tell them and lean on them for support going forward.
The Legal Advocate You Need
The experienced Boca Raton divorce attorneys at WiseLieberman will take you through the divorce process with as little stress as possible. To discuss your goals, contact our Boca Raton office for a confidential consultation today.
