MY FAMILY DISAPPROVES OF MY DIVORCE

What to do when your family disapproves of your divorce.

If you’re facing divorce, lawyers in Ohio put your needs first.

Deciding to leave your spouse is difficult enough without having to face the disapproval of family members. Confronting another’s pain, whether your family’s, your friends’ or your children’s, is one of the toughest consequences of separation. Follow these tips to handle your friends, family and even yourself during your divorce.

They don’t have to agree with your decisions to love you.

While your family may not agree with your divorce, it’s important to stand your ground. Rather than becoming confrontational, try telling your family that this is your life decision and that you are prepared to deal with the consequences. Divorce Coach Deborah Moskovitch recommends your overall message being something like: “I know you are concerned and that you might not approve, but I am doing what I need to do and I’m putting my children’s best interests first.” [1]

If your family is interfering or pushing you to make decisions you don’t feel are right, it may be best to share as little of the details of the divorce as possible.

Find a support system.

Having a strong network to lean on is crucial when you find that your family isn’t as supportive as you had hoped. This could consist of one strong friend, or an entire divorced women’s or men’s group. While the dynamic you have with many of your friends and family could shift markedly after your divorce, having someone who can offer sound advice can make all the difference.

New Directions Career Center is also a fantastic resource for recently divorced women reentering the workforce. They can not only provide career counseling, but also connect you with other divorced women in Columbus who are facing similar life changes. [2]

Understand that friendships with other couples will change.

If you and your spouse have other couples that you spend time with, you need to come to terms with the fact that those friendships will also morph as your relationship status changes. Don’t expect your mutual friends to choose sides, or sway them with the messy details of your breakup. Spending time with your friend individually (such as a one-on-one lunch) instead of as couples can be a proactive way to maintain those friendships, but not put anyone in an awkward position.

If you’re facing a divorce, schedule a consultation with the Ohio family relations lawyers at Weis Law Group today.

http://thesmartdivorce.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/10-frequently-asked-divorce-questions.pdf

http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/life-after-divorce-3-survival-strategies