The decision to leave a marriage is not an easy one. How to explain your position to your husband or wife when you want to get divorced is often more harrowing than coming to the realisation that your marriage is over. If you are in this position, being prepared can make telling your spouse that you want a divorce less stressful.
For the party “leaving” the marriage, here are some suggestions for preparing to tell your spouse that you want a divorce. These tips are designed to minimise the distress caused to both parties and encourage the continuation of a civil relationship through the divorce process.
How to start the conversation about divorce
You want to make sure you leave the right divorce message to your husband or wife so that they understand exactly why you’re ending the marriage. The following are some tips on achieving that outcome:
Pick your words carefully
There is a clear delineation in most divorces of “the leaver” and “the left.” The leaver is usually in the stronger position psychologically as they will have had some time to come to terms with what they want to happen.
On the other hand, the left person feels wounded and is often shocked. The harder the “leave-taking” statement, the worse the wound. The worse the wound, the more likely to trigger “wounded-animal” type behaviours.
Think carefully about how, when, and where, you tell your partner that the relationship is over. Avoid triggering their buttons during the divorce conversation.
Prepare for all sorts of guilt to be laid on you
After telling your spouse that you want a divorce, you might be called a bad wife or husband, bad mother or father, bad person, cruel, selfish, etc. amongst other forms of verbal abuse. Be prepared to respond calmly. Know what you will say.
Prepare for an emotional response
Under stress, emotions may be channelled into anger as well as obvious emotional distress, withdrawal, and depression. It’s important to recognise the response and try to avoid elevating it.
If you are concerned that anger may result when telling your spouse that you want a divorce, carefully choose how and when to discuss your decision to divorce and consider whether you should have someone else close at hand should things turn violent.
Use “I” messages, not “you” messages
For example: “I feel that I need to start a new life.” “I feel that this marriage is not working for me.” Do not say, “You never did your share. You were a lousy husband/wife.” etc. This can help to make the divorce conversation feel like less of an attack on your spouse.
Be confident
Talk firmly. Be physically as much at eye-level as possible. Speak calmly. Be prepared to drain yourself of anger before you begin, and during the conversation if you feel it welling up. You can feel sorrow, yes. Anger, no.
Consider the children
If you have children, assure your partner that they are still father/mother to the children and that this is important to you. Bolster their esteem in any reasonable, honest way you can. Reassure them that their relationship with the children need not change. Discuss how you will tell the children and plan to do so calmly and ideally together. This is important for the children.
Prepare the ground
Before telling your spouse that you want a divorce, it may make sense to prepare them over time. Discuss divorce as a growing likelihood. Consider breaking this message in a public place with some privacy – a coffee shop or restaurant. The public setting will encourage your spouse to respond in a restrained and rational fashion. Think about when you will have the conversation, break the news during the daytime. Morning is best.
Keep calm
During the conversation, take deep breaths to relax. Don’t listen to abuse if you can avoid it. Say “I understand how you feel, but I do not think it helps either of us to have you go on this way” and leave or hang up and suggest you speak again when they have had time to take stock.
Be ready to separate
Often it is best, after the “I want a divorce” conversation, for immediate physical separation. You should have a place to go selected, even if you hope to remain in the home. You can go there if your spouse refuses to leave.
How do I tell my husband or wife I want a divorce without hurting them?
Unless your spouse also wants to divorce, the reality is that finding out you want to end the marriage is likely to hurt them. However, being clear and upfront about how you are feeling can cause less hurt in the long run than avoiding the subject.
As mentioned above, preparing the ground beforehand can limit the hurt by helping your spouse to get used to the idea the marriage might end ahead of you telling them you want a divorce. The less of a shock it is, the more easily they are likely to be able to cope with the news.
How do I tell my husband or wife I want a divorce when they don’t?
If you are sure your spouse does not want the marriage to end, this can make the divorce conversation particularly tough. It is a good idea to think about how they are likely to react and plan how to tell them you want a divorce. As covered above, if you think they might react angrily, you should consider having the conversation in a public place and having someone else you trust present.
One thing you do not need to worry about is your spouse preventing you from getting a divorce. Under the new no fault divorce rules, there are almost no circumstances in which your spouse can oppose the divorce. So, remember, you are not asking for divorce, you are telling your spouse that this is what is happening – you do not need their permission.
Should I have legal advice before I tell my spouse I want a divorce?
Yes, seeking legal advice before telling your spouse you want a divorce can be helpful Consulting a solicitor in advance can help you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding finances, property, and any children involved. Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales (Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020), the process has become more straightforward. However, the implications of ending a marriage — such as how assets will be divided or how childcare arrangements will work — can still be complex. Early legal advice ensures you’re well-informed and prepared before beginning what can be an emotionally charged discussion.
A solicitor can also advise you on the best way to approach the conversation, particularly if there’s a risk of conflict or if you feel unsafe. Understanding your legal position beforehand can help you avoid making promises or statements that could be used against you later in financial negotiations or custody discussions. It can also empower you to have a more confident and constructive conversation with your spouse.
Are there any resources or support groups for people going through this conversation?
Yes, there are a number of resources and support groups that can help individuals preparing to have a divorce conversation. Relate offers relationship counselling, including support for individuals who are considering separation. This can help you work through your emotions and plan the conversation thoughtfully. Citizens Advice provides free, confidential guidance on the legal and financial aspects of divorce, and can direct you to further local support.
For ongoing peer support, forums such as Mumsnet, Netmums, OnlyMums, OnlyDads, Family Lives and Gingerbread (especially for single parents) provide spaces where people share experiences and advice.
Resolution, an organisation of family law professionals, also offers guidance on how to approach divorce constructively and can help you find a solicitor committed to resolving matters amicably.
These resources can make a significant difference in helping you feel less isolated and more equipped to manage the process.
What do I do after telling my husband or wife that I want a divorce?
After you have told your spouse you want a divorce, you will need to start the legal process. We strongly recommend speaking to a specialist divorce lawyer before having the divorce conversation so you can get the process started promptly. They can also advise you on the full implications of your divorce, so you know exactly what to expect.
You will need to complete a divorce application (which can be done jointly with your spouse if you wish). You will also need to decide how your finances will be separated and what will happen to any children you have. A divorce solicitor can support you through all of these issues, making sure you get the right outcome for your future.
Talk to Woolley & Co Solicitors about planning for divorce
Having come to a decision to separate and had the difficult conversation with your partner, it is important that you consider fully any legal implications of your separation or divorce.
At Woolley & Co Solicitors, our expert divorce lawyers can offer specialist legal advice to guide you through a quick and stress-free divorce process. We can advise you on the full implications of getting divorced and everything you need to plan for, then guide you through the entire process.
To take advantage of your free 30-minute consultation with an expert local family law solicitor, call 0800 321 3832 or complete our quick online form.
Rebecca Franklin
Divorce lawyer Birmingham
