Once upon a time, you and your spouse loved each other. Unfortunately, the real world is unlike the fairytales our parents used to read to us when we were younger. Relationships do not usually end in a happily ever after. No matter how hard couples work on their relationship, many marriages still end in divorce. In fact, Florida has one of the highest divorce rates in the country.
However, a divorce does not mean you have to end your marriage on bad terms. The way you ask your spouse for a divorce plays a crucial role in determining how you will pursue and approach your divorce. Here are some tips you should consider when telling your spouse that you want a divorce.
Be sure about your decision
Before you bring up divorce, you must be sure because you will need to explain to your spouse why you want a divorce. You should not use divorce as a solution to your problems or a way to end an argument. Divorce is something you take time to think about.
Choose an appropriate time and place
It would be best if you did not ask for a divorce on your spouse’s birthday or if they just received terrible news. Divorce is a sensitive topic that may take time and energy to discuss, so you should choose the appropriate time and venue.
Communicate and listen
Plan what you want to tell your spouse carefully and communicate your words compassionately. Your spouse might still love you, in which case a divorce will be devasting for them. They might react angrily or spitefully, but you should not retaliate with the same negativity. Explain to them why you believe a divorce will benefit both of you. Most importantly, listen to what your spouse has to say and respond to them thoughtfully and clearly while remaining firm about your decision.
If you want to avoid litigation and preserve your privacy, you can pursue a collaborative divorce, but that entails the cooperation of both spouses. By speaking to your spouse from a position of compassion and understanding, you lay the foundation for a collaborative divorce free from contestation and court intervention.
