There’s a point in some relationships where at least one person understands that it’s no longer working. In some cases, it’s possible to save a marriage, but in others, a divorce is the only real option.
Before you decide that divorce is the only option for you, you should consider a few things. These questions may help you decide if a divorce or other possibilities will work best for your situation.
1. Is there abuse?
If there is abuse of any kind toward you or your child, it’s a good idea to seek out support as soon as possible. The courts may issue a temporary restraining order to help you stay safe if you decide to separate from your spouse.
2. Consider your finances
Divorce isn’t necessarily expensive, but you do need to have some money put back to support yourself and to pay your attorney. Before you decide to pursue a divorce, you may want to make sure you have your own bank account, credit cards or other sources of income, so you don’t have to rely on your spouse.
3. Talk to your spouse
After you know that your finances are safe, it’s possible that you should talk to your spouse about divorce. If your spouse doesn’t think it’s the right idea, it could be a good chance to talk about going through counseling or other programs to help work on the factors of your marriage that aren’t working for you.
4. Collect your documents
Before you file for a divorce, collect copies of important documents. It’s possible that a disgruntled spouse could hide or hinder you from obtaining documents, so take the time to copy them and put them in a safe place before you file.
These are four things to consider before you choose a divorce. This is a major decision, so think carefully.