Learning that your spouse wants a divorce may come as a shock or may be expected, depending on the circumstances. However, regardless of whether it came with a warning, the divorce process is challenging and highly emotional.
If your spouse says they want to divorce you, here are five things to avoid doing.
Do not panic
It is natural to feel a whole range of emotions when your spouse says they want to break up, especially if it is something you do not wish to or did not initiate. However, acting in a panic can lead to making bad decisions that can haunt you later on. Remain calm, let it sink in and seek emotional support to deal with the natural course of your emotions.
Do not become hostile
While your first reaction might be to respond with anger, hostile divorces are much more challenging to get through and much more expensive and time-consuming. If the divorce is adversarial, you will spend a lot more time in court.
In addition, if you have children and they see their parents fighting and treating each other poorly, you are setting that example as the standard of how adults treat each other when upset. This can have a long-term negative impact on your child, and it is serious.
Do not make big decisions
While trying to cope with the news, you might be tempted to make big decisions like moving, changing jobs and spending a lot of money. The problem with making significant changes during this time is that you are not at your best, so you may have a blind spot that you do not see that could hurt you, and some of these changes can get you in trouble with the law, like spending a lot more money than usual.
Do not forget legal representation
One of the most important things you should do is get a divorce attorney immediately. This will help you follow the court’s expectations for procedure and make wise decisions in your best interests. Legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of a divorce, so ensure you protect yourself with quality representation.
Facing the prospect of a divorce can feel soul-crushing, especially if you do not expect it. Thinking twice before you act and securing legal representation as soon as possible is critical in avoiding problems that could affect you now and later.
