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When to tell your spouse you want a divorce

On Behalf of | Oct 22, 2024 | Divorce |

Is there a right time to ask for a divorce? Can you tell your spouse you want a divorce too soon?

When to inform a spouse about a divorce is a debatable subject. Some people believe it’s appropriate to wait until the kids are old enough or after a holiday, etc. While there is no perfect time for initiating the divorce conversation, you need to:

Be certain

If you feel unhappy in your marriage or are no longer trying to make it work, consider going to therapy. A therapist can help you understand if you are ready for a divorce or if you can save the marriage.

Informing your spouse you want a divorce and then not going through it can negatively impact your marriage. You want to be sure you want to dissolve the marriage before raising the matter.

Communicate the issues you are facing early

People are typically blindsided by divorce when they are unaware of the problems in their marriages. One may have believed their marriage was fine, possibly because their spouse didn’t communicate their unhappiness. Or they may have hoped the issues in their marriage were reconcilable. So, they may be shocked when they receive the divorce news.

It’s vital to let your spouse know you are unhappy early enough. Bottling up emotions and then bringing up divorce can feel sudden to them. 

Prepare for your spouse’s possible reaction

Before talking to your spouse, you should be ready for their possible reaction to the news. Whether or not your spouse is aware of your unhappiness can help you gauge the response to expect.

If you want to ask your spouse for a divorce, consider the above-discussed tips and legal guidance to get off on the right foot.