Divorce: Does it usually tear apart the rest of the family as well?

[Anonymous]

Is it typical for one family member's divorce to affect parent and sibling relationships as well, due to blame and resentment? How do you deal?

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure what you mean. I suppose a lot would depend on the circumstances though.

My brother is divorced. There has been no issue with him and our parents and siblings. We don't blame or resent him or his ex.

[Anonymous]

My ex-MIL took our divorce hard, but then again, her 45 year old son now lives at home with her and Daddy.

[Anonymous]

It can happen, especially if someone cheated or otherwise behaved badly in the marriage and divorce. That can affect their relationships with their siblings and parents, especially if the extended family is having to help pick up the pieces.

Also if the divorce results in less grandchild time or grandchildren missing key family events or moving away, that can be quite difficult.

How you deal is that you acknowledge that your choices affect others, and do your best to be a caring and conscientious family member in the future.

[Anonymous]

It sure does. Changes family dynamics.

In my own situation, my DH's only sibling, a brother, divorced.

My ILs have happily stepped in to just about raise the their son's young grandchildren. The ILs are more involved now with my ex SIL than they were during the marriage.

My DH can't stand his ex SIL, so we never see her anymore, but have to hear all about her from the in laws.

[Anonymous]

I know my dad loves me, but I definitely got the impression that he didn't approve of my divorce and has treated me a little bit differently in the years since. He did stick up for me to other family members, however, who definitely didn't approve of my divorce.

On my mom's side, she was sad that she and my ex were not able to continue their cordial relationship. She made many efforts to remain in contact, but he apparently prefers not to. They were always very close during our relationship.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I guess I am also considering a couple that is pretty immature and maybe even a bit dishonest and blaming others (extended family and such) for their problems, despite not having to deal with anyone on a regular basis.