Should You Tell Your Employer That You are Getting a Divorce?
By: Melissa Towsey, Esquire
In our technologically sophisticated world where we post, pin and Instagram our most intimate thoughts and feelings, the question remains – how much do you tell your employer about your divorce?
In many instances, you will have to inform your Human Resources Department of changes in health care or insurance beneficiaries. It may also be prudent to inform your direct supervisor that, while you will maintain your performance, you may need additional time off for court hearings, meetings with your attorney or other court-ordered evaluators. The key here is to be honest but assure your employer that you expect to fulfill all your current employment obligations and responsibilities.
Once you have disclosed your divorce or custody case, the next question is how much should you tell? A good rule of thumb is to keep as many personal details out of the workplace as possible. Do not use your personal email account or telephone to contact your estranged spouse. Try to minimize the impact he or she has on you while in the workplace.
However, if you have co-worker that make up your emotional support system, consider confiding in them with more detailed information about your situation. That being said, be aware of these conversations that may occur in the lunchroom and can be overheard by the office gossip.
For most of these cases, your own personal sense of propriety will suffice. Remember that several aspects of a divorce, such as child support, child custody, spousal support, and equitable distribution, depend on you maintaining a steady source of income.
To schedule an appointment with one of our attorney’s, or for further information, call us at LaMonaca Law, at (610) 892-3877.
