Whether expected or unexpected, having your spouse directly inform you that he or she wants a divorce can send you reeling. Even saying the request out loud can feel like a marked change has fallen over your relationship. If your spouse has asked for a divorce, it will likely take a minute to compose yourself. Focus as best as possible and then take concerted steps to protect yourself.
My Spouse Wants a Divorce—What Do I Do?
If your spouse wants a divorce, but you think the marriage can still be saved and you want to save it, then you may want to consider asking if your spouse would be amenable to going to marriage counseling. If you are both open to the possibility that counseling would improve your relationship to the point where you would both want to remain married, then this may be a good course of action. Should counseling not be an option, it is time to start preparing yourself for divorce proceedings on the horizon.
First and foremost, after your spouse says he or she wants a divorce, avoid making promises of any kind. Do not let your spouse pressure you into things like agreeing to certain custody arrangements, property division, or anything else. Divorce addresses issues that will go to the heart of your family, your post-divorce life, and your financial future. Making promises can be dangerous and counterproductive.
You should also consider getting your own attorney, immediately. This is true even if the divorce is looking to be completely amicable. First, even the most amicable of divorces can go south quickly when you delve into the nitty-gritty details of a divorce, such as spousal support payments, child custody arrangements, and child support. Second, even in the most amicable of divorces should you have trusted legal counsel by your side to help you evaluate whether the things that are being agreed upon in the divorce proceedings are in your best interests. Having an advocate by your side that is dedicated to enforcing your legal rights and protecting your best interests can be critical in helping to ensure that you are in the best possible position to start your post-divorce life.
While it may seem dramatic, there are certain precautions you should take to protect your financial wellbeing after your spouse says that he or she wants a divorce. Divorce can bring out the worst in people and you should prepare and protect yourself accordingly. This means monitoring your credit reports. This can guard against your spouse running up debts without your knowledge. You may also want to consider requesting that institutions, where you have joint accounts with your spouse, require joint authorization for any withdrawals. This means you will have to be notified of and agree to any withdrawals initiated by your spouse.
Divorce Attorneys
At Navarrete & Schwartz, we start working to protect your best interests even before divorce proceedings begin. You can rely on us to work tirelessly on your behalf and set you on the path to a successful and bright post-divorce future. We are proud to serve the residents of Midland, Texas. Contact us today.