Bruce Law Firm - January 2021

Preparing to Discuss a Divorce

What, How, and When a Child Should Know

After the festive Christmas lights, decorations, and holiday cheer, it’s normal to feel that gloomy winter pull. However, for many people, this transition from the holidays into a new year prompts them to take a hard look at their lives. The new year is a time for people to make decisions that will improve their overall quality of life. This is why January is known as “Divorce Month.” Many people see January as an opportunity for a fresh start, yet there may be a few things holding them back from pursuing a divorce. For some, it’s not an easy choice to make, and that choice becomes all the harder when children are involved. But how does someone tell a child their parents are going to be separating? To help ease this difficult conversation, here are four useful tips. When preparing to talk to a child or children about a divorce, both parents should plan what they’ll say . This includes when and how they’ll tell their children, too. Because this is such a sensitive topic, the conversation should not be rushed. Deciding together that the conversation should take place over the weekend rather than on a holiday or during the work week, for example, will give everyone time for an in-depth conversation. It’s also important to be conscious about which words to use; harsh words and emotional outbursts will make the conversation even more difficult.

to work together to care for them. If a couple has multiple children, this conversation should also be between the parents and all children involved, no matter their age. Be prepared to share basic information that all the children can understand, which can then be followed up with any older children. Keep in mind that a child does not need to know all the details of the divorce. If the reason for the divorce is because one spouse had an affair, telling a child this may cause them to feel trapped between choosing which parent they should side with. This is why it’s important to plan a nonblaming narrative beforehand, and decide how much information to discuss with a child about why the divorce is taking place . If a parent needs help choosing what to say to their child, or what’s appropriate to tell them, our team at Bruce Law Firm can help guide in this process. Call our office at 561-810-0170 today.

As mentioned above, parents should speak to their children together . While this may be difficult to do, it’s important as it lets children know their parents will continue

Have a LAUGH

Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com

Ingredients

8 chicken thighs or drumsticks, lightly salted

1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut in large chunks

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1 tbsp olive oil

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2 garlic cloves, sliced 14 oz chicken stock

1 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 onion, finely sliced 2 celery sticks, thickly sliced

1 sprig rosemary

Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 carrots, thickly sliced 1 leek, thickly sliced

Directions

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Transfer vegetables to the slow cooker and add the stock, rosemary, and lemon zest. Cook on high for 2.5–3 hours or until chicken is tender. Check seasoning and add lemon juice to taste. Top with parsley before serving.

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In a large frying pan, heat oil and fry salted chicken on high until brown. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker. Add flour and stir. In the frying pan on high heat, fry the onion, celery, carrots, leeks, and potatoes until lightly browned. Add garlic and fry for 30 seconds.

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