Many Texas parents delay filing for divorce because they worry about its effect on their children. If you are convinced your marriage has no future, hanging on for the sake of your children is unlikely to benefit anyone.

Deciding to divorce can take a weight off your mind. Rather than expending energy, wondering if you are doing the right thing, you can concentrate on how to make divorce as painless as possible for your kids. Here are some things to consider:

• Children's priorities may be different from yours: Children want to know how it will affect them. When discussing the divorce, try to put yourself in their shoes. Will they have to change schools? Will they have to share a room with their little brother? How often will they see each parent? Those are the kind of things children want to know.
• You still have to parent together: While divorce may end your romantic relationship, you and your spouse remain joined as parents. If each of you suddenly adopts their own wildly different parenting style, you are likely to confuse your children. Continuing communication is vital.
• It may get worse before it gets better: The divorce process can be emotionally and financially draining. It may take a few years to recover afterward. However, few people regret getting divorced, despite the temporary challenges.
• It will affect your children: Some children appear to cope with their parents' divorce much better than others. Yet, as with any significant life event, it will affect them in some way. Check with your child's teacher and other adults they have contact with. They may notice something you do not.

Seek legal help to find out more about the divorce issues specific to Texas parents.