If you have made up your mind that you want a divorce, the next step is to break the news to your spouse. This is unlikely to be an easy conversation, but remembering a few tips can help make it simpler.
Here are three things to consider before you tell them:
1. Is it safe to do so?
If your spouse gets angry or abusive, then blurting the news out at an inopportune moment could get you injured or at least very scared. Sometimes the best option is to get well away from them and break the news by phone, text, or even via an official letter from your attorney.
Breaking the news can be dangerous even if your spouse has never laid a finger on you. The pure shock of your announcement could cause them to forget what they are doing, which could be fatal if they are driving at the time.
2. Is it considerate to do so?
If you want to divorce them, then that is your right. There is nothing inconsiderate about ending a marriage you no longer want to stay in. However, breaking the news at certain moments would be inconsiderate. For example, don’t do it on their birthday, on your child’s birthday, or the day before your spouse has an important professional exam.
3. Is it the best time for you to do it?
Sometimes there are tactical reasons for delaying your announcement. Perhaps you want to put a bit more money aside so you can move out after telling them. Or perhaps the business you share is about to make a major breakthrough, and you don’t want to do anything to spoil that and the income it could bring.
Whatever your situation, learning more about how divorce works can help you make appropriate decisions throughout.