When you’re at a point in your married life when you start seriously considering getting a divorce, your whole world can be turned on its head. You might hate yourself for thinking like this, or you may be numb to the whole idea, or you may even find yourself excited about the potential outcome.
But no matter how you feel about maybe divorcing your spouse in the near future, if you don’t know what that will mean for you, it’s best to slow down and consider the next steps. And that’s something we can help with; here are some things you’ll want to keep in mind about taking the divorce pathway.
Reader's Roadmap
Consider What You Really Want
A divorce is a process that takes a very long time, sucks up a lot of energy, and can leave you exhausted for a long time afterward too. It’s not something to entire into lightly, and requires proper, careful consideration before deciding to apply.
That’s why you should take the time now to consider what it is you really want. If you and your partner have reached a point where the love doesn’t feel like it’s there anymore, divorcing could be the inevitable conclusion.
But if there’s still a spark between you, it could be worth investigating how you can both make changes to reignite the happiness you once felt. This doesn’t mean you should stick out a bad situation if you want out of it, but if you still have the desire to be with your partner, this is something to consider going through first.
Contact an Attorney
It’s very important to have legal counsel when you’re in the throes of a marriage breakdown. Whether or not you’re willing to go all the way and both separate and divorce, talking to a divorce attorney ahead of time will let you know what to expect, and what you’ll need to do next in your own specific circumstances.
They can also help you decide how to talk to your children about the divorce, and even just help you get your head in the right space to decide what you want your future to look like. That kind of support is crucial at a time like this, before you’ve even fully set your sights on splitting up and going your own way.
Think About What the Kids Will Need
Most couples worry about what the kids will think and need during divorce proceedings. Custody and co-parenting arrangements can be very difficult to put together, and you and your partner may not agree on the best way to talk to and/or raise the kids when you’re apart.
As such, it’s best to get a few things down on paper. Note down what you believe is best for the kids, what you want as one of their parents, and how you’re willing to make these things happen.
If you’re considering a divorce, make sure you go through every possibility before deciding on it.