Divorce doesn’t just affect the couple that is going their separate way. Children are also impacted—and for many parents, breaking the news about the separation to their little ones is one of the toughest parts of the process. It’s important to take care when having this conversation, as it is a landmark moment for all of you. Read on to find out how you and your soon-to-be ex can make it go smoothly.

How to Prepare & What to Say

Even if you aren’t getting along right now, you and your partner need to put your differences aside and tackle the task together. Plan what you will say in advance. Make it clear that although the marriage isn’t working out, the child-parent relationships are not going to change.

When talking to your kids, try to use “we” language, for instance by saying “We have been having problems that we can’t fix.” Don’t blame one another or let animosity into the conversation. What’s important now is that your kids know they can still count on both of you to act as a parenting team.

What Reactions to Expect

There’s no way to know how kids will react. They may become emotional—or they may not be surprised at all. Remain calm and give them a chance to ask questions and voice their concerns. They might be concerned about how the change will impact them—like if they will have to switch schools.

You should always have “the divorce talk” with the entire family present. You don’t want to pull one child aside and then risk them passing on the bad news before you get a chance to tell the other one. However, it’s a good idea to follow up with each kid individually. Give them time to process the news and then see how they are doing.

When going through a divorce, it’s vital to hire a good attorney. They will take care of the paperwork and protect your rights, giving you time to focus on the family. For help in Walden, NY, look to the seasoned team at the Ozman Law Offices. The law firm is known offering its clients personalized service, quality guidance, and the aggressive representation necessary to get the best results. To schedule an initial consultation and discuss your needs and situation, contact them online or call (845) 778-7777.