How to discuss the desire to divorce with one’s spouse

On Behalf of | Feb 12, 2021 | Divorce |

Individuals in Illinois who are eager to get divorced may still find it difficult to break this news to their significant others. This is particularly true if the other party will likely be caught off guard by the decision. Fortunately, a couple of tips might help with navigating this challenging task.

Steer clear of playing the blame game

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to avoid bringing up a future ex’s past mistakes when expressing one’s desire for divorce. Instead, individuals who would like to get divorced may want to state their conclusions in a forthright, future-focused manner. For instance, they can explain that they do not believe that marriage counseling or therapy will fix their existing marital problems.

Strive to maintain boundaries

After breaking the news to the other party, it is paramount that individuals who desire to get divorced maintain their boundaries. For instance, it is best to avoid trying to comfort the other party. The reason for this is that the future ex may try to take advantage of one’s feelings of sympathy and guilt during the divorce proceeding.

Seek the guidance of an attorney

A person who is ready to verbalize his or her desire for divorce with the other party should also ideally consult an attorney right away. This is essential because an attorney in Illinois can guide the individual through each stage of the divorce process. These stages range from serving divorce papers to negotiating the division of property, for example. The attorney’s chief goal will be to make sure that the client’s rights are protected each step of the way.