Should You Remain Friends with Your Former In-Laws?

Divorce does more than legally end a marriage. It also severs the tie with your mother-in-law, father-in-law and other family members. Or does it? This article will look at whether it is appropriate to maintain a relationship with your former in-laws.

The Children

One of the main reasons why divorcees maintain a relationship with their former in-laws is because they want to do the best by their children. They have been able to successfully put aside their personal feelings in an effort to allow their children to still see and interact with their grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. All too often, children of divorced parents end up cut off from extended family members, especially if their custodial parent moves away from their non-custodial parent and extended family members. But parents who have been able to set aside their own feelings still allow their children to see their relatives without making them feel guilty for still loving their relatives.

Innocent Party

Another reason why many people continue to maintain a relationship with their former in-laws is because they were the innocent party in the divorce case and their former in-laws have seen no reason why they should cut off contact with their former son or daughter-in-law simply based upon their child's actions. While many families band together and take their child's side after they have gone through a divorce and no longer wish to see their former son or daughter-in-law again, many do not share this view at all. It is down to the people in question to decide whether or not they can handle their altered relationship. Can they still carry on as usual without letting the divorce get in the way? What will happen if they attend a family gathering with their former in-laws and their ex-spouse is present with a new partner? This can complicate matters or it may not matter to others.

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