Divorce isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly, but it is often in the best interests of all parties. It is a sensitive topic, which makes telling your spouse that you want a divorce very difficult.
Nonetheless, with the right timing and approach, you can navigate the situation successfully. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Timing is crucial
It’s important to select an appropriate time and place. For example, talking to your spouse in private is much better than announcing the divorce in public. If your spouse is stressed because of work and other personal matters, it may help to wait a few days until the dust has settled. A calm environment is the best place to break the news.
Avoid blame if possible
While it is important to be direct and honest, the tone of the conversation should still be thoughtful. Avoid blaming your spouse if possible. Using a non-accusatory tone can help minimize conflict.
Allow some space
Once you have broken the news, your spouse may be shocked. Often, the receiving spouse has no idea that the divorce is coming. It’s important to allow them some time and space to process the information. Responding to emotional outbursts immediately is likely to fuel conflict.
Once you’ve had the divorce conversation, you can start thinking about practical elements like property division, child custody and the financial impacts of the divorce. These can be discussed in follow-up discussions, ideally with amicable solutions being reached. =
Information is key when going through a divorce. That’s why it’s so important to seek early legal guidance.