While custody will no longer be an issue if you divorce when your children are over 18, you will still have concerns, and so will they.
Many people rely on their parents to support them through college. If you have given your children this gift, they may be terrified that your divorce will affect your ability to continue supporting them.
You might consider setting aside money now before you split your assets so that the money for them to finish college is secured. If you prefer to pay as you go, perhaps you will make a deal about how much each of you will contribute per month.
Don’t be afraid to tell them they need to get a job to contribute, as running two households after your divorce might mean you no longer have enough to pay for everything for them.
Can you still offer them a place to stay?
Many divorcing couples sell their family home and move into two smaller places. Adult children can take a lot of comfort from knowing they can always return to live with their parents during the college holidays and later in life if things don’t work out. That security net gives them the confidence to try new things.
Again, just be honest about what the future looks like. If you can only afford a studio flat with no room for them to stay long, then tell them so.
Don’t rely on them for emotional support
However well you get on with your child, there are problems you should share with someone else rather than them. You do not want them torn between loyalty to you and their other parent. That can end up damaging your future relationship with your child.
Getting legal help to handle things can help you minimize your divorce’s effect on your children and allow them to focus on finishing their studies.