If you have decided you want a divorce, then you are going to have to tell your spouse. It’s unlikely to be an easy conversation to have, but it is one you need to get out of the way.
Considering the following things first can help:
1. Are you sure?
Do you think you want a divorce or do you know you want a divorce? Is there anything your spouse could do to convince you otherwise, or have they had all their chances already? Be sure before you go ahead. If you are unsure, think about having a different conversation with them, or perhaps trying therapy together.
2. Are you ready?
Things can move swiftly once one spouse tells the other the marriage is over. Take time to prepare. This could include saving up a fund of cash to tide you over during the divorce process, asking family if you will be able to come and stay for a while and generally learning more about how divorce works. Preparation is especially important if you suspect your spouse might react badly, such as by resorting to violence, attempting to hide assets or cutting you off from access to the bank accounts.
3. Is this an appropriate time?
However keen you are to break the news to your spouse, sensitive timing is key. You may want to wait if their granny is on her deathbed, they have a crucial professional exam next week or it’s about to be your child’s birthday.
Learning more about how a divorce would work can help you decide on how to proceed.