Cruel Intentions: Telling Your Spouse You Want a Divorce

As entertaining as public disaster proposals are, we occasionally hear about the other end of the spectrum: a public spectacle divorce announcement. Even though a wife renting billboard space to announce her husband’s cheating ways and her intent to leave him may seem daring and deserved, it is not the most practical method, nor the most logical. Here are some other ways to tell your spouse you want a divorce, listed from worst to best.

5. Use social media. Nothing is more passive-aggressive than letting your relationship status go from “In a Relationship” to “Single.”

4. Have a friend or family member tell them. This is another great way to avoid confrontation.

3. Use the legal process to spring the news on your spouse. From serving them with official divorce papers to having your lawyer draft a letter, going the legal route is extremely formal and appears to take emotion out of the mix.

2. Give your spouse a written explanation via email or letter. If you are afraid you cannot verbally lay out your reasoning, this may be a good compromise, but it can still come across as cold or passive. If you go this route, be very careful with your wording, and consider being in the same room as your spouse reads it.

1. Have a face-to-face, rational conversation. Because this is such an emotional topic, prepare all your talking points and try to keep the conversation on track. Get out what you need to say, then, open the discussion.

If you want your divorce to have the least amount of emotional turmoil possible, being honest, straightforward, and respectful to your soon to be ex is key. Don’t choose social media or other public venues to announce your divorce and don’t place family members or friends in the middle of your dispute. Instead, take time to prepare your talking points and consider contacting an experienced divorce lawyer to help you. The lawyers of NNew Beginnings Family Law, P.C., are available today for a consultation.