Divorce: Advice For Friends And Family

Should I take sides if my friends get divorced?

When your friends get divorced you will find it difficult to decide which side to take, or whether to stay in the middle. The direction you take will depend on how long you have known the couple as friends, and whether you were friends with them before they actually got married. Only time will really dictate which side you go on, and how you feel about their divorce.

Can I go out with my friend's ex?

When you're weighing out the pros and cons of going out with your friend's ex, then just think through carefully why it is you want to go out with him. Do you actually want to stay friends? Bear in mind that there are a number of consequences to going out with a friend's ex after a divorce, and that they should be thought through properly before you take any decision.

My child got divorced - can I stay friends with their ex?

Beware that your loyalties to your son or your daughter might be severely tested if you wish to continue a relationship with their ex-partner. By all means, continue to see your child's ex-partner, but it may be best if you keep that in a neutral setting and recognise that there will be times when it will be difficult staying friends with a child's ex-partner. But the advantages of continuing that relationship may well outweigh all the disadvantages.

My child got divorced - will I still see my grandchildren?

After your child has divorced, there's no reason that you shouldn't see your grandchildren, as long as you continue a relationship with not just your own child, but your ex-daughter or son-in-law as well. Keep in touch, particularly if they move, and try and provide a neutral environment for the grandchildren. If you find that visiting and contact is not being maintained following a divorce, then speak to your legal advisor about a possible route through the courts.