Talking to your spouse about divorce can be difficult. This is true even when both of you have been struggling with your marriage and may have concerns over whether or not it will last. When the time comes to actually tell your spouse that you want a divorce, how you handle it depends on quite a few factors.
We want to help if we can. Here are some helpful suggestions we have learned in our 25 years of experience helping our clients when they decide to talk about divorce with their partner.
- Consult a family law attorney first. This is a good idea, especially if you have children or there is property to divide. The attorney can be helpful in guiding you through what to say and what not to say. You do not want to say anything that might be used against you in a later proceeding.
- The family law attorney can also guide you to collaboration and suggest another collaborative divorce attorney if that seems like a possibility.
- Do not be confrontational. If you are concerned there could be an angry or violent reaction, have a third party present. Maybe a trusted friend, counselor, pastor, or rabbi who can help the spouse who is being told about the divorce to deal with their emotions and help minimize the reaction to the news.
- Keep your cool. Even though it is an emotional topic, try to stay calm.
- Have an agenda. Write down what you plan to say and what important points you want to make. It is easy to forget these things when you are in the middle of your emotional divorce discussion.
- Do not discuss this in front of the children. If you have children, they should not be home or at least not within hearing range.
- Consider a public place. Although discussing this at home may be preferable for some, if you are at all concerned about the reaction, think about choosing a quiet, public place for your discussion.
Our advice is to try marital counseling before giving up on your marriage. If your spouse says he or she will not go, set up an appointment anyway and ask them to meet you there.
For More Information About Divorce. Contact an Experienced Dallas Family Law Attorney.
To schedule a free initial consultation with a Plano and Dallas Family Law Attorney, contact Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices at 214-420-1800.
