Some people are so happy to be divorcing that they’ll tell almost anyone who will listen. Others may struggle to tell even their closest friends and family members, due to feelings of guilt or shame or a preference for keeping their private life private.
Nevertheless, letting certain people know is typically in your best interests. Here are some people you might want to inform.
Your boss
It can be difficult to continue working with your regular consistency when going through a divorce. Emotions may surface during work hours, and issues may occupy your focus, making it harder to concentrate on your work. You may also need to attend appointments related to the divorce during work hours. Letting your boss know helps them understand and allows them to offer practical support.
Your child’s teacher
If you are a parent of school-age children, informing their teacher is usually best, particularly if the children are still young. It may not be necessary for older teens, and they might even implore you not to. Teachers spend a lot of time with your children, so being informed of this major change in home life can help them understand and watch out for any changes in your child’s behavior that may result. They can make allowances if the child acts out of character, or alert you to anything worrying they notice.
Friends and family
Friends and family members are often happy to help as you transition from married to divorced. Ways they might do this include providing a spare bed, picking up the kids when you have to attend a divorce meeting or providing an empathetic ear over coffee.
One caveat, though: While friends and family may be keen to give advice, it’s best to seek legal guidance for accurate information about the divorce process and your options. There’s no substitute for experienced legal guidance.