How to Talk to Your Spouse About Divorce

 Posted on March 17, 2023 in Divorce

Few people begin a marriage expecting that one day it will end. But, sadly, that is the reality for a lot of people. Divorce is difficult for so many reasons. Often, we think about divorce in terms once the process is already underway and the various issues that must be settled. But an important question remains: how are you supposed even to broach the subject of divorce with your spouse?

Of course, divorce is a difficult topic to bring up with a spouse, and it can be emotionally charged and stressful for both parties. However, some ways exist that can minimize the conflict and result in, hopefully, a smoother divorce process. Today, we will discuss how you should and should not bring up the idea to your spouse. If you believe your marriage is heading toward a divorce, contact an experienced divorce attorney to ensure you understand your legal obligations and that your rights and best interests can be advocated for.

Ways You Should and Should Not Bring Up Divorce with Your Spouse

First, choosing the right time and place to have the conversation is essential. Ensure you are both in a calm and comfortable environment where you can talk without interruptions or distractions. Avoid bringing up the topic during a stressful time, such as before a significant event or during an argument. When you bring up the topic, be honest, direct, and compassionate. Try to be clear about your feelings and your reasons for wanting a divorce in the first place. Listen to your spouse’s concerns and try to find common ground.

During this critical time, avoid blaming or accusing your spouse of anything, even if you feel like they are at fault for the disintegration of the marriage. This will only escalate tensions and make it more challenging to reach an agreement. Instead, focus on finding solutions and ways to move forward. It is also essential to approach the topic with some plan in mind. For example, discuss your goals and priorities for the divorce, such as custody arrangements or property division, and demonstrate that you are willing to negotiate and compromise. This may reduce the amount of conflict and make the divorce process smoother. And finally, consider seeking the help of a meditator to assist with the conversation. A neutral third party can facilitate the discussion and guide how to approach different topics related to the divorce.

Contact a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Make no mistake: broaching the subject of divorce with your spouse is likely to be a challenging conversation. However, by approaching the conversation compassionately and also having a plan in place for what you would like to talk about, the conversation can be had in a civil, respectful manner. For experienced legal counsel, contact the Naperville, IL divorce lawyers with Calabrese Associates, P.C.. Call 630-393-3111 for a private consultation.

Source - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/better-divorce/201908/how-tell-your-spouse-you-want-separation-or-divorce