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Specialty tag(s): Pre-Divorce Guidance, Divorce

Your Husband or Wife Wants a Divorce: Now What?

Rachel Rizzieri Feist | December 11, 2024

Learning that your spouse wants to end your marriage is never easy. Even just saying the words “my wife wants a divorce” or “my husband wants a divorce” out loud for the first time can be an enormous emotional hurdle that many struggle to overcome. Divorcing might feel like giving up for those who want to stay married, but it’s only once you accept the reality of your situation that you can start planning for the future. With the utmost sensitivity and compassion, the family law attorneys of Goranson Bain Ausley can help you navigate the divorce process, offering unparalleled experience and a deep well of collective knowledge from which to draw.

1. Understand Why Your Spouse Wants a Divorce

Taking a moment to reflect and try to understand why your wife or your husband wants a divorce can foster better communication throughout the divorce process, leading to more open and honest conversations, which can help you both decide on the most effective path forward.

2. Speak With a Family Law Attorney

It is essential to protect your legal rights when facing a divorce. A divorce can and likely will have a significant impact on most aspects of your life, including your children, property, and finances. Speaking with an experienced family law attorney early on can help you learn how to navigate the complex divorce landscape.

3. Consider Counseling and Mediation

Even if your wife or your husband wants a divorce, that doesn’t mean reconciliation is impossible. Counseling can be a beneficial option for many married couples. Services like this address underlying issues in your marriage and may even help you both find common ground to repair the relationship.

However, if it’s clear that the marriage is over, divorce mediation can help you achieve a more amicable and less contentious divorce. It’s recommended that you consult with a family law attorney before you attend. Even if you ultimately decide to attend mediation without a divorce attorney present, speaking with one in advance will improve your chances of having a productive and hopefully successful mediation experience.

4. Prepare for Divorce Proceedings

Preparing for the divorce proceedings is essential and involves gathering all necessary documents, including financial records, property deeds, and any prenuptial agreements that exist. You should also have a firm understanding of your financial situation heading into the divorce. A consultation with a divorce attorney can help you understand what to expect and how to best prepare.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

It’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions when your wife or husband wants a divorce. Divorce is not just a legal process; it’s also an emotional one. Finding healthy ways to cope, whether through therapy, support groups, or leaning on a support system of friends and family, can be incredibly beneficial during this time. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself as you navigate these challenging circumstances.

6. Focus on Your Children

If you and your spouse have children, their well-being should be your top priority. The divorce is likely to have just as much of an impact on them as on you and your spouse. For this reason, it’s important to maintain stability in their lives as much as possible. Discuss co-parenting strategies with your spouse and what custody arrangements will be in the best interests of the children.

Schedule a Consultation With a Skilled Divorce Attorney Today

At Goranson Bain Ausley, we understand that navigating a divorce can be complicated and overwhelming. Our family law attorneys are experienced in all facets of divorce, from child custody disputes to complex business valuations, and can help guide you on the path toward a brighter future. If your husband or wife wants a divorce, contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you.