7 Things To Do When You’ve Been Told Your Partner Wants a Divorce

By Sheryl Rentz on July 20, 2023

Most people enter into marriage with the idea of a lifetime commitment. When your partner says they want a divorce, it can be a shock and emotionally overwhelming. We offer a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after this difficult revelation. By taking these steps, you can protect your rights, make informed decisions, and navigate the divorce process more effectively.

Take the Time to Process Your Emotions

Whether you sensed it coming or were blindsided by the news, it can be heartbreaking and devastating to hear your partner wants a divorce. Give yourself time to come to terms with it and to grieve the loss of the relationship. Seek emotional support from family, friends, or professionals who can help you through this difficult period.

Seek Legal Counsel

If your spouse wants out of the marriage, speak with an experienced divorce lawyer as soon as possible. Our Pennsylvania family law team can help you understand your rights, explain the divorce process, and guide you skillfully through it. We can assess your situation and provide you with custom-tailored advice on how to protect your interests.

Gather Important Documents

Preparing for divorce involves collecting all documents related to your assets, liabilities, and finances, such as:

• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Investment account statements
• Mortgage documents
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
• All debt-related documents, including those related to car loans, credit cards, student loans, the IRS, etc.

Organizing these documents early on can help your divorce attorney better understand your financial situation and save you time.

Prioritize Communication and Negotiation

Communication is important during a divorce. Treat your partner with respect and communicate openly and honestly. Calmly discuss your concerns and try to reach an amicable resolution. Take care not to share too much information or make any impulsive decisions. Anything you say or do at this time can impact your divorce proceedings.

Keep Your Children Out of It

If divorce is inevitable, children should not be made aware of the details or immersed in the process. Keep them away from the courthouse, your attorney’s office, and any detailed adult discussions you and your partner have. Never put children in the middle of conflicts.

Protect Your Financial Interests

When divorce is imminent, it is crucial to get your ducks in a row financially, secure your assets, and separate your finances from your spouse. Open an individual bank account and monitor joint accounts closely. Consider changing passwords to safeguard your personal information. Keep track of your expenses and avoid making major financial decisions without consulting your attorney first.

Try to Remain Unemotional When Dividing Marital Assets

Division of marital property can be a painful process. You and your spouse will need to split any marital assets, such as your home, vehicles, and investment accounts, as well as your credit card bills and other debts. A non-emotional approach is best when making these decisions. It may be helpful to treat this process as two business partners parting ways.

Have an Attorney on Your Side

Learning that your spouse wants a divorce is often a very traumatic experience. By following these seven steps, you can better navigate the emotional and legal complexities ahead. It is important to seek guidance from an experienced divorce lawyer who can provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances.

The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. is a top-tier Montgomery County firm, representing clients in divorce cases for more than 24 years. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to see you through the entire process and help you pursue the best possible outcome. If you are facing divorce, reach out to us at (610) 645-0100 for a free initial consultation.