Spouses in Illinois rarely anticipate their marriage falling apart. Even when divorce is for the best, it’s almost never a stress-free process. The main concern of parents who divorce is typically what kind of impact this event will have on the lives of their children. One of the initial hurdles is how to break the news to the kids that their parents are divorcing. Here are a few helpful things to remember.
When to break the news
If possible, hold off on breaking the news to the children until the divorce is finalized. However, children are very good at sensing the moods of their parents so they may have noticed that something is not right. If they begin asking questions, just be honest and as age appropriate as possible.
How to break the news
Preferably, parents should talk beforehand and have a plan to ensure they are on the same page. Then, when the time is right, both parents need to sit down with the children and have a conversation. Keep the discussion simple and to the point. Reassure the kids that the divorce is not their fault, and they will always be loved by both parents.
Child custody arrangements
Moving forward, parents may want to think about what type of child custody arrangement would be best suited for their situation. These days, more and more parents are choosing to co-parent after a separation. However, parents in Illinois who have questions or need help with any aspect of child custody could obtain much-needed guidance by contacting a legal professional. An experienced family law attorney can answer questions and help parents find an arrangement that best suits their family’s needs.