by James Evans - October 24th, 2023
Telling your children that you are going to divorce is not simple, but it must be done. How you handle this process may define what your children think and feel for years to come. If you are getting a divorce or separating, learn how to talk to your children by considering their experiences, thoughts, pain, and reality carefully.
Our Austin divorce attorney at Evans Family Law Group can help you decide how to proceed with your divorce in a compassionate, caring manner. Let us provide a free consultation to discuss where to get started.
You know your children. You also know the amount of pain, suffering, fear, and worry they likely have over what is to come. Follow these tips to ensure they receive the information they need in the best manner possible when filing for divorce in Texas.
You do not need to provide all the details or violate your privacy. However, tell them an age-appropriate reason why the divorce is occurring.
Divorce brings with it significant change, but for children, what they are worried about is how it will impact their lives. Start the conversation by sharing what will not change, such as things like the love and respect you have for the child or that they will have the ability to spend time with both parents.
You will need to talk about what changes are likely, such as factors like where they may live or what their day may be like moving forward.
Not only do they need to hear that you love them, but also that there was nothing they could have done to make divorce happen or to help you avoid it. Discuss with them openly about the importance of being honest with yourself about what is and is not working.
When they ask why this is occurring, it’s important to discuss what divorce is, what it means to families, and why it occurs. However, do not blame the other parent or the child. Avoid statements like, “You know how your dad always yells at me…” or “You know when you misbehave your mother and I do not agree…”
Avoid situations where the child is given the ability to argue with you. Be matter-of-fact, with some level of respect. The key here is not to give your child the implication that they can somehow control what happens next.
Your child’s life is about to change significantly. There is no doubt that they deserve to be able to be heard. Sometimes, meeting with a professional to discuss this can help. That could include a mediator or someone who can advocate solely for them.
Related reading: How to Recognize If You Are Married to a Narcissist
At Evans Family Law Group, we are passionate about providing our clients with exceptional service through challenging times like this. Reach out to our trusted Austin family law firm now for a consultation.
James W. Evans is a board-certified family law attorney and the founder of Evans Family Law Group. With over 25 years of experience, he has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for Texas families navigating divorce, custody, and complex family law matters.
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I had a great experience working with Jimmy Evans on my divorce case. He provided excellent counsel and always focused on getting me the best results. He was accommodating and made sure I understood each step of the process. His paralegal, Dina, was also wonderful! She kept communication clear and timely, and I could always count on her for quick updates and answers.
The firm as a whole was efficient, professional, and supportive, which made a difficult process much easier to navigate. I highly recommend Jimmy Evans and his team.
I’m incredibly thankful for the Evans Family Law Group, especially Jimmy Evans and his paralegal, Ashley, for the guidance, support, and compassion they showed me during one of the most stressful and emotionally draining times in my life. From the very beginning, they were responsive, patient, and truly made me feel like I wasn’t alone in the process.
Ashley was amazing to work with. She’s incredibly organized, always on top of every detail, and consistently kept me in the loop about what was going on. Anytime I had a question or concern (and I had a lot!), she was quick to respond and always made sure I understood exactly what was happening. Her calm and professional demeanor gave me a lot of peace of mind during a time when everything felt uncertain.
Jimmy is arguably one of the best family lawyers in Austin. Cares about his clients and has the track record of recognition to back it up. Rare to find a divorce attorney in Austin with such positive reviews and that should tell you all you need to know! Divorce and custody battles are difficult, hire the right attorney first and get your desired result. If you want what is best for your family, you should hire the best lawyer you can. Jimmy and his team are the answer!
Are you facing the prospect of a divorce in Austin and unsure where to turn for guidance? Handling the challenges of divorce can be difficult, especially when it involves issues like child custody, property division, and spousal support. Our Austin divorce lawyers are committed to helping you find effective solutions that protect your interests and provide peace of mind during this pivotal time. For personalized legal assistance with your divorce, reach out to Evans Family Law Group today.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney James Evans, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a family law attorney.
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