Should you tell your boss about your Virginia divorce?

If you're getting a Virginia divorce, your social life and career can be affected in addition to your family life. Telling your boss about your divorce may not be easy, but it can be an important part of surviving the divorce experience. 

It can be difficult to navigate the social landscape of your workplace when you're facing the end of your marriage. While there may be some co-workers you're comfortable enough to share at least some details of your relationship with, many times privacy is the most desirable option. Offices can be hotbeds of gossip, and nobody needs the extra stress of third-hand information about their personal life being spread around his or her place of work. 

While the desire to keep your divorce private is quite understandable, there are some practical reasons why you may want to share the information about your impending breakup with your boss. 

The Why and How of Telling Your Boss about Your Divorce 

Divorce complicates life in several (usually temporary) ways. These complications and changes can affect your work performance and availability for work-related tasks, so it's only fair to keep your boss informed about the life event you're about to face. 

For example, you will have to appear at court dates or at mediation sessions, and this may require time off. There's also often a certain level of emotional stress involved with leaving your marriage. The amount of stress depends on the individual and the circumstances of the breakup, but in many cases, a divorcing employee may need a lighter workload during this time in order to be able to cope with the emotional and practical aspects of the divorce process. 

When telling your boss about your divorce, remember some key things. First, it's best to keep it professional, and not give too many personal details. Even if you're friendly with your boss, it's not a good idea to confess too much information about the “whys” of your breakup. Focus on the facts that will affect your job. 

Don't be afraid to be honest about the possible time you may need off or about the amount of work you can realistically handle during this difficult time. Take the time to ask for the things (within reason) that you might need to help you perform your job effectively. You can also ask about what you need to provide the human resources department when updating your insurance information. 

Contacting a Virginia Divorce Attorney 

The Virginia divorce attorneys at Hofheimer Family Law Firm law firm care about your rights, the welfare and happiness of your children, and your financial security. Let us use our unique experience to help you focus on your goals for the future and your family. To learn more about Virginia divorce, request a free copy of our divorce book for women in Virginia or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar – 757-425-5200.