If you’ve decided that you want a divorce, you eventually have to have a divorce conversation with your spouse. This can be a very difficult talk, and it sets the stage for how the divorce will proceed, so it is very important.
In order to help this go smoothly for you, below are a few tips that you may want to keep in mind when deciding how to begin.
Consider the timing
Timing is important because you don’t want to serve the papers to your spouse or bring up a divorce when they are already stressed about numerous other things. Additionally, think about how long the two of you may need to talk and choose a time when you can do so without any outside pressure.
Do not bargain or accuse
If your spouse tries to bargain with you, perhaps by saying that they will change if it saves the marriage, be wary about letting them talk to you out of your decision. Additionally, do not blame your spouse for the divorce, even if you do feel that it is their fault. Rather than focusing on what they may have done to cause it, simply talk about how you want this change for your life.
Talk about the future
One way to make this easier if your spouse does not want to get divorced is to stress that the two of you can be co-parents and have a future parental relationship. Make a plan for how you’re going to talk to the children about the upcoming divorce and how you want to split custody. Focusing on the kids makes it easier to work together.
As this process gets underway, you also need to know about all of your legal options.