Family Law

How to Establish Boundaries With Your Former Spouse

By Ben Stevens

Many times, interaction with your former spouse doesn't end just because you get divorced.  In fact, if you have children, you are almost guaranteed to have to interact with your former spouse whether you want to or not.  In some situations though, former spouses can take advantage of each other, which can create resentment and bitterness.  

If your ex-husband or ex-wife still acts as though you're still married, you may want to consider the following suggestions to help establish clear boundaries to help solve or prevent such problems:

• Establish guidelines, in writing if necessary.
• Create truly separate households.
• Build a strong support system outside of your former marriage.
• Recognize when severing emotional ties has become too daunting and get professional help.

Source:  "We're Divorced -- You're Not My Friend" by Ron Dicker, published at CNN.com.

Full post as published by SC Family Law Blog on November 19, 2008 (boomark / email).