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Divorce affects adult children, too

On Behalf of | Dec 30, 2017 | Divorce

The effects of divorce on children are often a leading worry for couples when babies to teens are involved. When you divorce at an older age, though, this may become less of a concern for you.

However, divorce affects children who are out of the house as well. They may not face the challenges every day and may be better equipped to handle them, but do not underestimate the impact your marital split can have on the emotional well-being of your grown-up children.

Ways divorce affects adult children

Many of the ways the end of marriage changes young children’s lives are the same for those of legal age and above, as the following examples show:

  • Children still living at home: According to Pew Research Center, 15 percent of older millennials were living with their parents last year. This may represent your current household. A divorce can affect where your adult child will live and respond to the change and/or the absence of a parent. Your son or daughter may have to step up in responsibility without your spouse to care for you. Divorce is often a challenge for adult children with special needs, too.
  • Children in school: In Texas, college tuition does not fall under support obligations. If you and your ex-spouse cannot come to an agreement on who will pay for college, your child may end up in a financial bind.
  • Children with their own children: Those who have little ones of their own will have to explain divorce to them and how visiting the grandparents will be different. It can be difficult to find a visiting schedule that suits everyone, and there may be cause for family conflict while you figure things out.

Regardless of the stage of adult life your children are in, they all will have to deal with the emotions of your marital dissolution. They may be shocked and sad, or they may wish you had done it earlier. They will have to worry about splitting time between you and your ex-spouse and may not maintain a good relationship with one of you. You can limit these consequences by making your divorce as civil as possible.

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