The decision to divorce is a personal one. You don’t have to share this with anyone, outside of your spouse, of course, but it goes without saying that you probably will. It’s likely that you’ll want to keep your family up to date on what’s happening.
Telling your extended family about your divorce is easier said than done. This is especially true if they have no reason to believe your relationship is on the rocks.
Here are some tips to help you approach this conversation:
- Don’t tell everyone: For example, you may want to tell your parents and siblings about your divorce. However, you may not feel as comfortable telling your aunts, uncles, cousins and others. You don’t have to tell everyone in your family about your divorce. This is a personal decision.
- Choose the right time and place: Telling a family member about your divorce is sure to bring up a variety of emotions, so you want to choose the right time and place to do so. When possible, set aside time to break the news.
- Let them help you: The last thing you want to do is attack the divorce process on your own. You need a support group, and your family is a great place to start. You can lean on them as you prepare for divorce, as you go through the process and as you recover.
- Don’t become upset with them: You have a lot going on in your life, so it’s natural for your emotions to be all over the place. If a family member says something you don’t agree with, don’t attack them. Try to keep your cool by realizing that they’re not trying to hurt you.
When you follow these tips, you’ll find it much easier to tell your family about your divorce. Once you have this off your chest, you can rely on them to provide support during this difficult time of your life.
Every aspect of the divorce process can be challenging, so make sure you know your legal rights, have a plan for protecting them and make decisions that are in your best interest.
