There is plenty of research into the effects of divorce on younger children. Yet there is considerably less attention paid to how divorce will affect your children that have turned 18 years of age or older. While you do not need to worry about custody or child support payments, it’s crucial to realize that it will have some effect.
Here are some things to consider if your kids are in their late teens or early 20s:
They may still need financial support
If your kids are in college, consider putting money aside for the remainder of their time before splitting your assets. It provides security for them that their education is paid for and avoids the chance that one of you can not afford to contribute, which could lead to arguments or your child feeling pressure to drop out.
They may still need a place to come home
Most students return to their parent’s house for periods. It may just be to visit at Christmas, to stay during the summer break, as they start on the career ladder, or temporarily after they break up with a partner. Consider how you will accommodate them if you sell the family home and move to smaller places.
They do not want to have to choose between you
A lot of events will be coming up that your children might want to invite you to – for example, their graduation or first Thanksgiving in their own home. If you and your spouse cannot bear to be together, it will be complicated for your kids.
Getting help to handle your divorce in a sensitive and non-conflictive fashion, such as via mediation, will make it easier for you and your adult children.