Whether or not you share kids with your soon-to-be ex, you might share a special bond with his or her family. Some divorcés decide to maintain that bond after the split, and most psychologists agree that’s a normal desire. Even if you don’t want to keep up a relationship with your soon-to-be ex-in-laws, you might have to for your kids’ sake. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will help you work out a custody arrangement that may include visitation with grandparents, and you’ll probably find it’s best to stay civil with everyone involved.
Being the Glue that Holds Your Family Together
Most kids have a hard time coming to grips with the fact that their parents are divorcing, and they don’t want to see Grandma and Grandpa suffer, too. Since your kids love you, your ex, and both sets of grandparents, keeping the peace is emotionally healthier—even if you couldn’t stand your in-laws while you were married.
Try to maintain a healthy relationship with your kids’ grandparents, aunts and uncles on your ex’s side by tactfully avoiding discussions about the divorce. It’s easy to be pulled into a disagreement over who wronged whom, but you and your kids will be happier in the long run if you try to keep a normal relationship with their grandparents.
Maintaining a healthy relationship with all your in-laws will make birthday parties, school events and even weekends away easier on you, as well.
If You Don’t Have Children
After taking your ex’s feelings into account and determining whether your in-laws want to maintain your relationship, you’ll be able to make the best decision for yourself. Some psychologists suggest that in the absence of common children, it’s best for all parties to cut ties and move on—but others say that any fulfilling relationship should be maintained as long as it’s not causing emotional stress on anyone involved.
Ultimately, it’s up to you, your ex and your ex-in-laws.
When Your In-Laws Aren’t Nice
Not everyone has a good relationship with their in-laws. If yours try to interfere with your divorce or worse, bad-mouth you to your own children, tell your Raleigh divorce lawyer right away. Your attorney might be able to help you fix the problem through legal avenues.
