5 Things You Should Do if You’re Considering Divorce
Whether you’ve been together for a long time, have only been married a couple of years, have kids or not, divorce is a big deal. It can mean completely changing your life, and even the most seemingly straightforward divorce can soon turn unpleasant. That’s why, before you consider divorce, there are a few steps you should follow to put yourself in the best possible position.
- Get counselling
There are many reasons why counselling is a good idea before divorce:
- You can hammer out your issues and decide whether they are things you can overcome
- You can learn to communicate better – which is good whether you decide to divorce or not
- There’s a neutral third party on hand to guide the discussion
- It can create a safe space if you’re worried about talking through these issues
If your spouse won’t go to counselling, then you may want to consider going alone, as a potential divorce can be stressful, and it can be good for you to speak to someone.
- Get legal advice
Don’t wait to seek legal advice if you’ve decided on a divorce. Even if you’re just considering it at the moment, it’s worth speaking to family lawyers in Adelaide so you can see what your options are. Seeing a lawyer doesn’t mean the divorce is definite, it just means you can get advice on finances, custody and the other big issues. You may not even want to tell your spouse you’ve sought legal advice. The entire process is completely confidential, so they never have to know.
- Make your decision at a calm moment
People often end their marriage at an emotional moment, when they’re going through a tough time with their spouse and arguing a lot, or when they’ve just gone through a stressful event such as a bereavement or job loss. It’s important to not make your decision to divorce when you are going through an emotional time. Your spouse may not take it seriously and you may regret it down the line.
- Avoid jumping into a new relationship
If you’re currently unsure about the state of your marriage, then it’s important not to complicate things by getting into a new relationship until things are settled. Focus on your current relationship to avoid further drama or complicate your divorce proceedings.
- Have a frank discussion with your spouse
It’s important to be honest with your spouse and let them know you are unhappy and considering divorce. It’s not fair to give them the silent treatment and then serve them with papers one day. By discussing divorce calmly, you can come up with a strategy to help you both decide what to do.
Getting a divorce is not a decision anyone makes lightly. It’s important that you handle things calmly and get advice before you decide what to do. From getting therapy such as counselling, to getting some sessions of legal advice, there are many things you can do to make this difficult time more bearable.