The world of daytime talk shows was shaken up early last month when long-time “The View” co-host Rosie O’Donnell announced that she was leaving the show to focus on her family while she and her wife, Michelle Rounds, worked through a separation. Her family troubles came to the spotlight when on February 27, 2015 she filed for divorce, closing off three years of marriage.
The couple separated last November and have agreed to share custody of their adopted two-year-old daughter. The adopted daughter is the youngest of O’Donnell’s five. O’Donnell’s public relations representative, Cindi Berger, confirmed the separation and described a stressful home environment for the family’s teens and toddler.
The court documents filed by O’Donnell describe the marriage as irretrievably broken. Rounds will not contest the divorce, implying that the two will abide by the terms of their prenup and work out an amicable settlement.
O’Donnell’s departure from “The View” has garnered much criticism, but it’s hard to blame a mother of five for wanting to take care of her children in a difficult time. Especially in the case of adopted children, who have by definition suffered a previous loss, special attention must be paid to help them through the emotionally devastating process of parental separation.
If your kids are struggling to understand your divorce, we know how you feel. Last year, we put together a list of children’s books that can help your children understand and cope with the changes to their family. You can find that list here.
Divorce Matters ”“ Denver Divorce Lawyers