If your adult child is married, the possibility exists that your adult child will one day be divorced. An Ohio newspaper recently ran an interesting article on the dos and don’ts for the parents of those who are getting divorced.
The divorce of your child will undoubtedly affect you, perhaps never more than if you are a grandparent. One of the most important don’ts: don’t hire an attorney or get involved in the legal aspects of the divorce — unless you must.
What are some of those “must” situations in which it makes sense for the parent of the divorcing person to hire an attorney? If you have co-signed a loan for your child and his/her soon-to-be ex. Or if you are in business with the couple, have created a trust in their names or have contributed financially when they purchased their home.
In those cases, it makes sense to sit down with a family law attorney and find out where you stand and how you can protect yourself.
- Another don’t: don’t pepper your child with questions about the divorce, the article states. Instead, stick with a tried and true question: “How can I help?”
- Do: understand that your adult child has likely spoken to others about the divorce before you. His or her friends, for instance, have probably heard quite a bit about the disintegration of the marriage.
- Do: remember that there are two sides to every divorce. Keep your judgments to yourself and focus instead on being a rock for your adult child.
- Do: expect to be part of the parenting agreement if you are a primary caregiver for your grandchildren.
Of course, if you are the adult child facing a divorce, you can expect to hear concern and support from your parents. You can discuss the options available to help protect your kids, your parents (and their grandparents’ rights) and your parental rights with an experienced Butler County divorce lawyer.
