Telling an unsuspecting spouse that you would like a divorce can be one of the hardest things a husband and father can do. However, if the marriage is unhealthy and it is time to end it, this is a conversation that must happen.
When it becomes quite clear that the conversation of divorce is going to happen in the future, a father should start researching the laws in Missouri and reach out to a family law attorney. This attorney should be contacted before the topic of divorce is even brought up with the other spouse. By learning about the laws first, a father will be able to have some sort of an idea of what to expect and what steps should be taken to protect his rights as a parent.
After learning about the law, next will come having to bring up the topic of divorce to a wife. Of course this is going to be a difficult conversation — especially if the wife is unsuspecting — but it can still be done in a way that is respectful, mature and realistic. There is no reason to assume this has to be a screaming and hurtful conversation.
After bringing up the divorce, do not be surprised if nothing seems to change. In some cases, a wife will even continue on and act as though the conversation never happened. In these cases, where there seems to be a halt on progress, reach out to an attorney. This attorney can start the process and even write a letter urging a wife to hire her own attorney too.
Overall, while asking for a divorce is never easy, keep in mind it can be done in a respectful way. Hiring an attorney is not a sign of getting ready to go to battle, but is rather making sure there is someone there to reach a fair settlement and keep a father’s interests in mind too.
Source: Huffington Post, “How to Bring up Divorce When Your Spouse Doesn’t Want One,” Alison Heller, June 11, 2013