How To Tell Your Spouse You Want A Divorce

If you have made the difficult decision to get a divorce, telling your spouse about your decision is an inevitability you cannot avoid. While you may know that you will be happier as a single person, telling someone you once loved that you want to end the marriage is never easy. This is particularly true if you know the news will come as a shock to them. Considering your spouse’s own needs and feelings can actually help during the conversation and ensure that you stay on track when talking to them about it. Below, our Media divorce lawyer outlines some tips that can help you prepare for this difficult conversation.

Have Empathy 

Hearing that you want to end the marriage may be very hard for your spouse to hear. Regardless of how they react to the news, it is important to have empathy and listen to what they have to say. Explain to them very clearly that you still care for them, but that you no longer want to remain married. After you have both had the opportunity to talk about your feelings about it, you can then proceed with the next steps.

Be Direct 

It is important to remain empathetic and to consider your spouse’s feelings when talking to them about divorce. Still, you should be direct and stay firm in your decision. Second guessing yourself can cause confusion for you and your spouse. It can also prolong the process and result in staying in an unhappy marriage for longer than you need to.

Choose the Time and Place Carefully 

There is no perfect time or place to tell your spouse that you want a divorce. However, there are some times and places that are better and that can help ensure that both of you remain calm throughout the conversation. Just as some times and places may be more conducive to talking about divorce, there are times when you should not bring it up. These include any time your children are around, or when they could potentially overhear your conversation. If you and your spouse are in therapy or marriage counseling together, that may be a good time to broach the subject.

Discuss the Next Steps 

Once you have told your spouse of your decision and the initial shock has worn off, you can then discuss the next steps with your spouse. Talk about whether you think you can agree to the terms, if either of you will move out of the home, and how you will handle child-related issues. Also keep in mind that it may not be possible to talk to your spouse about these details right away.

Contact Our Divorce Lawyer in Media Today 

Divorce is always difficult, but working with a Media divorce lawyer throughout the process can make it easier. At Barbara Flum Stein & Associates, our experienced attorney can prepare you for the next steps, advise you of the law, and ensure your rights are upheld at all times. Call us now at 610-565-6100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.

Source:

legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=23&div=0&chpt=33&sctn=1&subsctn=0