I think this is dependant on the family members. If they are receptive and caring then I don't see it as a bad thing if you feel it is the right thing to do, however if they are emotionally cold etc..it doesn't help. Certain members of my ex's family had a bit of a hold over him, they in particular where emotionally inept in at times and extremely critical..they would inevitably find out and I feared that in the end it would back fire and do more emotional harm to my ex and isolate him further.
It's a hard situation but it is worth taking a bit of time over. I hope this is some help.