Asking Your Spouse for a Divorce? Tips to Ease the Tension

The thought of asking your spouse for a divorce is likely to upset you. However, if the time actually arrives to file the petition, you’re likely to find yourself awash in a variety of emotions ranging from sadness to anger and everything in between.

There’s nothing you can do to eliminate the tension and pain associated with asking for a divorce, but there are steps you can take to make it a bit easier:

• Prepare accordingly. What will you do if your spouse becomes angry and maybe even violent? If they begin to cry or make a loud scene? When you prepare for all possible situations, you’ll know exactly how to react.
• Don’t change your mind. Depending on the situation, your spouse may ask you to reconsider. If you’ve already come to the conclusion that divorce is the answer, stick to your plan.
• Don’t discuss the details of your divorce. There will come a point in the future when you need to hash out agreements regarding property and debt division, child custody and support, alimony, and other details. Don’t discuss these shortly after asking for a divorce, as tensions will be likely running too high.

Asking your spouse for a divorce is one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do. However, once you get it out in the open, you’ll see a light at the end of the tunnel.

As you turn your attention to the divorce process, focus on your legal rights and the steps you can take to create an agreement that suits you, your ex, and any children you have together.