Unhappy Marriage?

1. Have both parents tell the child(ren) about the divorce together; 

2. All children need to be told about the divorce at the same time whenever possible;

3. Offer clear, honest explanations about the divorce. Avoid elaborate details of your marital problems (ie. Affairs, sexual problems);

4. It’s best to present divorce as a serious decision made after considerable thought, but with sadness, reluctance and sorrow for the pain it causes the child;

5. Focus on what will happen to each child, describe basic changes (ie. living arrangements, time with the other parent);

6. Know before you talk with the children what will happen next. Children need concrete details-where will I live, when will I see each parent, will I go to the same school. Predictability leads to stability in a child's life;

7. Assure your child he/she will be told of all major developments and changes;

8. Extend an invitation to your child to make suggestions that will be considered;

9. Stress that your child is not responsible for the divorce, but that this is an issue between the adults;

10. Reassure your child that the divorce does not weaken the bond between the parent and the child;

11. Give your child permission to love both parents;

12. Give your child a time frame of the divorce and expected changes;

13. Give your child clear sense of an established place in each parent’s home (ie. their own room, place for toys, toiletries).

Florida Divorce Attorney Scott Stadler

1750 University Drive, Suite 202

Coral Springs, FL 33071 

Tel: (954) 346-6464

SAT. AND EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

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