As you start thinking about divorce, you may find yourself wondering if there is a right time to take this next step. Is there something you should be waiting for? What is the best time to file for divorce or to tell your spouse? What about telling the kids?
The thing to remember is that every situation is unique. Experts note that there is not a right time to get divorced or a wrong time to do it. It’s different for everyone.
What they mean, though, is that there is not a general right or wrong time, such as getting divorced over the summer. That does not mean there isn’t a right or a wrong time for you.
For instance, if you have children, you may want to think about how breaking the news to them defines this stage in their lives. Don’t do it at a time when it ruins what should have been a happy event or creates a negative memory for them that they will always connect to that time. Examples of times to avoid include:
- Birthdays
- Graduations
- Holidays
- Exams
- Their own weddings, if they are adult children
You also don’t want to wait too long, of course, and trap yourself in an unhappy and possibly unhealthy marriage. Some people endlessly look for excuses to put it off, and they end up procrastinating the decision for years.
Once you decide what the right time looks like for you and your family, make sure you fully understand all of the legal steps that you need to take moving forward.
