What are the implications of divorce for my family?
The short answer
Your son would lose most, so think long and hard. If staying together is truly impossible, the Church allows civil divorce to divide shared goods. Separated, you may both receive the sacraments in a state of grace — but you are still married, so dating others is out unless the marriage is annulled.
Your son
The loser is your son. You chose each other; he didn't choose to be born, and he deserves a home with a mother and a father. These are simply the facts.
If truly impossible
If remaining together is absolutely impossible, the Church allows civil divorce for the fair division of jointly held goods. One couple kept their child in the home and alternated weeks living there, so he wasn't shuttled back and forth — putting him first.
Sacraments and marriage
If you separate you may both receive the sacraments while in a state of grace. But you are still married; dating others is out of the question unless the marriage is annulled. Edward Peters's Annulments and the Catholic Church explains the process.
Continue exploring
- Are children of an annulled marriage considered illegitimate?Q&A
- Can a woman whose husband divorced her receive Communion?Q&A
- In a mixed marriage, must the couple promise to raise their children Catholic?Q&A
- Is divorce a sin when one's spouse is abusive?Q&A
- What is an annulment?Q&A
- Can I be ordained online to officiate a wedding?Q&A