Now that the kids have left the nest, you and your spouse have decided to get a divorce. You haven’t been happy in the last few years and neither has your spouse, as evidenced by the affair that they had last year.
Knowing that you will have to address this with your children when they come home for summer break may be causing you some anxiety. Even though their grown, your children will most likely be very upset that your marriage is ending.
Where do we start?
Start by sitting down together as a family. The burden of this announcement should not fall on one spouse. The two of you need to make a plan to share the news of your upcoming divorce together.
Decide ahead of time to remain civil. This is an important moment in your children’s lives. It will be hard enough for them to hear and accept without the two of you arguing.
Things your children need to know
Your son may be wondering how his college tuition will be paid now that you two are splitting up. Your daughter may be worried about her upcoming wedding. How will the two of you behave? Will dad still walk her down the aisle? These are legitimate concerns and you should take the time to address them.
Reactions to expect
Your adult children may have seen this coming for a long time and they’re relieved that you’re both finally acknowledging this. Or, they may be angry and hurt. This is why you should consider not bringing up any details behind the split (like your spouse’s affair). They love you both and may end up getting very angry at the spouse they blame for the split.
The next step
After you’ve had a chance to talk to the children, speak with an experienced legal guide to help you navigate through your divorce.