Learning one of your parents has been in contact with a divorce attorney is devastating no matter how old you are. While it’s true that adolescents can have an especially hard time when their parents divorce, it’s not necessarily any easier for adults. If your parents recently decided to end their marriage, here’s what you should know about coping with the transition.

3 Tips for Adult Children of Divorce 

1. Remain Neutral 

Picking sides will only add to the tension. Refuse to choose one parent over the other and let them work out any issues between themselves. When it comes to situations in which they’ll be in close quarters, like your children’s birthday parties, for example, simply invite both parents. If one of them decides not to go because the other will be in attendance, so be it. Over time, both parties will hopefully realize that family events matter more than any ill will they're harboring toward one another. 

2. Talk to Someone 

When going through something as stressful as a divorce, it’s important to put together an informal support group. This might include your own spouse, a few close friends, any siblings, and a therapist. These parties can offer comforting words of wisdom when you need them most. They can also serve as sounding boards when you want to vent. Naturally, venting to either parent—or letting them talk to you—should be avoided so as not to fuel the fire. 

3. Offer Practical Advice 

It’s not up to you to fix your parent’s marriage, although many adult children think it is. At the end of the day, though, divorce attorneys will tell you that most couples who actually file will end up going through with the divorce. This revelation may leave you feeling powerless but try to remember that your parents will always be your parents, regardless of whether they're actually together. Additionally, there are still ways you can take charge of the situation. By offering practical advice—where to find affordable apartments, for example—you’ll gain some control over the chaos, which can be empowering. 

If you or someone in your family needs a strategic divorce attorney, turn to Williams, Hall & Latherow, LLP. Their compassionate team understands just how much is at stake for those who've decided to end their marriage. Located in Ashland, KY, they’ve been providing legal counsel to individuals throughout Boyd County since 2000. In addition to family law disputes, they can assist with insurance defense, personal injury claims, medical negligence, and business law. To schedule a consultation with a divorce attorney on their team, call (606) 329-1919 or reach out online.