If you are considering divorce, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of all marriages end in divorce.
Despite the prevalence of divorce, it is not an easy subject to discuss – especially if you have already made up your mind but your spouse is still trying to make the marriage work. Starting the conversation about divorce may stir up some unresolved issues in your marriage, but it is a conversation you will need to have at some point if you are truly serious about leaving your spouse.
Before you talk to your spouse about divorce, it is a good idea to discuss your case with a divorce attorney. There are certain actions that your spouse could take that would hurt you financially or personally, and your attorney can help you take preemptive measures to avoid these problems and possibly make the process more amicable.
If you would like to discuss your case with a family lawyer in Miami, turn to Sandy B Becher PA. Mr. Becher will answer your questions about spousal support, asset division, child custody, and other family law matters. Call 305-860-5811 to schedule a consultation.
Read on to learn four tips to help you begin the conversation about divorce:
- Plan the Conversation Ahead of Time
If you and your spouse argue a lot, it might be tempting to bring up divorce in the heat of the moment, but doing so will never lead to a rational conversation. If you are serious about leaving your spouse, you need to plan the discussion ahead of time.
For example, do you think your spouse is going to react in an angry or aggressive manner? If so, you should have the conversation in a public place or in the presence of a counselor. Do you have somewhere to be in 30 minutes? Then it is not a good idea to start the conversation now.
- Do Not Waver in Your Decision
If you have already made up your mind about the divorce, it is critical that you do not give your spouse any false hope during the conversation. Do not waver in your decision or say you are open to counseling if you are truly done with the relationship.
- Keep It Simple
Divorce is complicated, and the more assets you and your spouse share, the more contentious future proceedings are going to be. Keep the initial conversation simple, and use it merely to discuss the logistics of your relationship moving forward; you can talk about the intricate details later, once your lawyer is present.
- Do Not Blindside Your Spouse
If it is obvious that you are both unhappy in the marriage, your spouse may not feel blindsided by your conversation; however, if you think you are going to surprise your partner by broaching the subject, try to do so as delicately as possible.
Even if you have already made your peace with the divorce, your spouse will have to go through the five stages of grief, too. That means he or she is likely to respond with denial and anger the first time you propose divorce. Be prepared for such a response, but do what you can to mitigate any emotional outbursts.
Live Science reminds parents that they should take a similar approach when discussing divorce with their kids. Talking to your spouse is the first step, though, and you should not discuss the separation with your children until you are certain that you are going through with it.
If you are considering divorce in Florida, turn to Sandy B Becher PA. Mr. Becher has more than 20 years of experience providing quality legal representation.
Call 305-860-5811 to schedule an initial consultation with a divorce attorney in Miami. You can learn more about family law in Florida by visiting the USAttorneys website.
