After surviving the divorce process, you might feel like the worst is over, but then you realize the tough conversations you’ll need to have with friends and family. It may be one of the most difficult talks you’ve had yet. It can be painful reliving the emotions with close ones or downright awkward, but it has to be done.
When you do announce your divorce, keep the following advice in mind.
Preparation is Key
While your divorce is technically no one else’s business, your friends and family will suspect something is awry when you stop coming to events together or you miss anniversary posts on social media. Whether you like it or not, people will talk, and it’s better to control the narrative.
To do that, though, you have to prepare yourself in advance carefully. You need to decide:
What you want to say;
How you want to say it; and
Who you want to say it to.
Announcing Your Divorce
Social Media: There’s nothing more modern than announcing your divorce over social media. Platforms like Facebook give you options to go a more subtle route— you can opt for changing your relationship status from married to single, for example. If you want to take a bolder approach and make a joint announcement with your former spouse.
Email: If you’re going for a less flashy alternative, consider announcing your divorce via email. To ensure that you are not inundated with questions, let people know that you are doing okay, but you’d like your privacy.
Christmas Card: With the holiday season coming up, a Christmas card could be another approach. Include a family photo of you and your kids, and those who receive it will get a good idea of what happened. You could also add a message, simply stating that you and your spouse divorced but that you are excited for the new year.
Face to Face: Nothing beats announcing something important face to face, although it can be the hardest way to do it. It’s emotional and time-consuming, but you may need that physical comfort.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to talking about your divorce, the bottom line is that it's truly up to you. While there will always be people searching around for gossip, you don’t need to encourage their behavior. Who you tell, what you tell, and how to tell people you’re getting a divorce is, in the end, only your business.
If you need assistance with your divorce, the lawyers at Schweitzer Law Partners are here to help. Schedule a consultation by calling us at (626) 788-5225 today.