{"id":1372,"date":"2021-09-03T10:50:34","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T14:50:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/?p=1372"},"modified":"2022-07-28T09:51:28","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T14:51:28","slug":"how-to-ask-for-a-divorce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/how-to-ask-for-a-divorce\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Ask For a Divorce, When You’re Nervous (But Ready)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are You Ready?<\/a> | Before the Talk<\/a> | Telling Your Spouse<\/a> | After the Talk<\/a> | FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The prospect of asking for a divorce from your spouse can be nerve-racking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, remember that you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the CDC, every year over 745,000 divorces are filed in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re done staying together just for the kids or your spouse has changed (for the worse) during your marriage, getting a divorce can be a positive life change for couples in turmoil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the difficult topic of how to ask for a divorce, there are some crucial steps to take before, during, and after \u201cthe Talk\u201d with your spouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to take some time to reflect and determine if and why you\u2019re ready for a divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are going to want to write your feelings down to prepare for \u201cthe Talk\u201d, take careful consideration into choosing a time and location for \u201cthe Talk,\u201d and be prepared to handle your spouse\u2019s emotional response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens during and after \u201cthe Talk\u201d is different for every couple so having a plan will help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, be prepared for the conversation to not always go according to plan and having to make adjustments in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below we will help you plan the best way for you to ask your spouse for a divorce and be ready for “the Talk”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are You 100% Ready For Divorce?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, you need to make sure you\u2019re ready for a divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re on the fence, you\u2019ll need to do some soul-searching before you approach the topic with your spouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asking for a divorce is not a decision you should make impulsively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting divorced is a lot like getting married, if you feel like you\u2019re ready, you probably are, and there\u2019s little hope of talking you out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Ann Gold Buscho, author of the Psychology Today column \u201cA Better Divorce<\/a>,\u201d recommends that potential divorcees seek professional counseling to help with the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A therapist can provide support during the decision-making process and help you determine if you\u2019ve explored every possible option to salvage the relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you think that you can save the marriage, ask your partner to consider participating in marriage counseling or a marital education program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marital education programs<\/a> teach couples to improve their communication and conflict resolution skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One program, the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), has proven to decrease relationship aggression, negative relationship interactions, and the rate of divorce in participating couples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, even if you\u2019re confident that the marriage is unsalvageable, Dr. Buscho recommends imagining life without your spouse and reflecting on how those thoughts make you feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any emotions\u2014anger, stress, sadness, or even joy\u2014are valid during the reflection process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, make sure that you haven\u2019t left any stones unturned in your reflection process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision to divorce shouldn\u2019t be made lightly<\/a>, and if you feel that there\u2019s even a chance of reconciliation, make an effort to save the marriage before ending it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Considering a divorce can really take an emotional toll on even the strongest people.<\/p>

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How To Prepare For \u201cthe Talk\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re ready to bring the topic of divorce to the table with your spouse, there are a 2 crucial steps you need to take beforehand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Find and Maintain Support<\/strong> – Find a supportive friend<\/a>, relative, or counselor to confide in throughout the process<\/li>
  2. Writing Down Your Feelings<\/strong> – Organize your thoughts and feelings into a written document for both preparation and to guide your divorce conversation<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Finding and Maintaining Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Having support during the divorce process is crucial to your mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whether you seek support from a friend, a family member, or a professional counselor, you\u2019re going to need them more than you think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once you find your person, set healthy communication boundaries<\/a> with them including the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Determine how you want support<\/h4>\n\n\n\n