The first aspect of the divorce process: Sharing your feelings

It doesn’t matter how bad things have become between you and your spouse, if you want to get a divorce you’ll probably need to have a conversation with this person.

The first aspect of the divorce process comes down to one thing: sharing your feelings.

Even though you may have a clear plan in your mind, your spouse won’t know what you are thinking until you share your thoughts.

Asking for a divorce has a way of freeing your mind, as you finally realize that you are putting your bad marriage in the past, but taking on this task is easier said than done.

If the time comes to share your feelings with your spouse, here are some tips you can follow:

• Choose a time and place that works for both individuals. In other words, you don’t want to have this conversation while you’re driving home from work or sitting at the dinner table. It’s extremely important to choose a time and place that allows you to address the topic at hand in the appropriate manner.
• Have a plan for what you are going to say. It’s imperative that you know what you want to say, as you may find yourself at a loss for words. With some basics in mind, you can always keep the conversation moving forward.
• Don’t forget about your safety. Do you have reason to believe that your spouse could become angry if you ask for a divorce? This could lead you to having the conversation over the phone or in public, despite the fact that it’s not the ideal situation.

Along with the above, don’t overlook the other person’s feelings. Even though you know you’re ready for divorce, your spouse may not feel the same way. You should let this person share his or her feelings, being respectful at all times.

Once you put this aspect of the divorce process in the past, you can learn more about your legal rights and the steps that are sure to follow in the days, weeks and months to come.