Although when we get married we all hope that we stay married, that isn’t always the case. Unfortunately, marriages can come to an end for a variety of reasons. You might fall out of love, or there could be cheating or even domestic abuse involved. If you have admitted to yourself that it’s time for a divorce, you might be at a loss as to what to do next. Perhaps you both know that a divorce is on the cards, but neither of you is willing to raise the subject. Getting the ball rolling on a divorce can sometimes be the hardest part. Once it’s all underway, it can feel like a relief. Have a look at these steps to get started.
Having the Conversation
If a divorce is going to happen, one of you needs to bring it up. If your partner can’t or won’t, it might be up to you to start the conversation. It’s not an easy subject to talk about, but it is necessary. You might both be on the same page already, but perhaps you’re unsure how they feel. If you don’t know their feelings, it’s even more reason to approach the subject of divorce and start a conversation. At this point, it’s likely that there won’t be any way you’re going to change your mind. However, it could be your last chance to see if anything could change.
Decide What Will Happen Before the Divorce
If you both agree to a divorce, or even if you don’t, you need to think about what will happe. Eventually, you will be able to finalise your divorce and live separate lives. However, for some people, it could be a couple of years before that happens. Unless adultery or one of the things counted as “unreasonable behaviour” have taken place, you need to separate for two years. Even if you are able to divorce sooner, you will still need to consider living arrangements and other concerns. Have a discussion about who will live where, your children, and other essential topics.
Finding a Lawyer
You don’t always need a solicitor to get divorced. However, they can be very helpful in many cases. Family solicitors can assist you with a range of issues, from property division to child custody. Although divorce can seem simple on the surface, everything that goes with it can complicate matters. Many solicitors will offer a free consultation so you can discuss your issues. Look for a lawyer specialising in divorce in your area, Aston Knight Solicitors are very knowledgeable so it may be worth checking them out. You might also decide to use a mediator.
Telling the Kids
Telling your children about the divorce is often the hardest part of it all. Even though you are ending your relationship, you will both still be parents. You should try to present a united front and avoid blaming each other. Talk about how you’re going to approach it before you have the conversation so that you’re on the same page.
Once you’ve started the divorce process, you have one difficult thing out of the way. The divorce itself isn’t always easy, but it will eventually be over.
