When is the Best Time to Divorce?

The decision to divorce is never an easy one and always brings with it many questions and situations that must be resolved. One of the most common questions that are brought up is deciding when divorce is the answer and determining when is the best time to divorce. Here are some of the important things you should consider when choosing the right timing for divorce:

Understand Your Situation

Understand your personal situation and make sure to ensure your safety as well as that of children that may be involved. In volatile or violent situations you should never stay. Take immediate steps to remove yourself or your children from the threat of danger. In fact, it is important to understand that if you fear for your safety, there are places to turn for help immediately.

Constant Fighting

Other conditions that would lead to leaving sooner rather than later include unsettled or constant fighting between spouses. It is vital to the health and well being of both spouses as well as children to leave these situations sooner. These situations can include verbal abuse, feeling of being intimidated, or constant fighting that affects you as well as your children.

Living Situation

One of the main considerations you should make when choosing the best time for divorce when childrenare involved is the effect of the current living situation vs. the immediate changes that will follow when you begin divorce proceedings. If the outcome for the children inside the home is not positive it is important to proceed with separation and divorce more quickly.

Before Children Enter the Picture

If couples without children or assets determine that the marriage isn’t working for them, they should get out before adding children to the mix. Having a child to save the marriage is never a good idea. If you are having problems with each other it is important to work through those problems or determine if you will separate before making the divorce proceeding more complicated by adding assets and children to your marriage.

Amicable Divorces

For amicable divorces where there is no fear and only a mutual decision to go forward with the divorce, where both parties are in agreement things to consider when choosing the timing of separation and divorce include:

• Knowing and understanding the needs of your children. Young children may not be aware of the problems in the marriage, choosing when the best time to divorce will allow for your children to adjust to the changes coming, but don’t prolong indefinitely making children doubt their childhood either. Understand how the divorce will affect the children, make sure there is a consistent plan in place, and be open to questions and explaining what will happen for them.
• Finances can play an important role in determining the timing of divorce. This could include asset and debt resolution as well as the costs for divorce classes and mediation. If you are in an amicable situation there could be time to make sure your finances are in order prior to the separation.
• Living arrangements and lifestyle changes are important factors to consider as well. Will you family home be sold? Which spouse will leave? Consider these factors in timing.

Divorce can be a difficult decision, or a way out of a bad situation. When you are making the decision to get a divorce it is important to consider first the safety of your children and yourself, the relationship you have with your current spouse, and final details such as finances.

Selecting the right time to get a divorce can be tricky and you will need to pay close attnetion to your situation. It is a good idea to seek a divorce mediators advice and guidance to avoid the process from becoming ugly. Please contact us at  Common Ground Divorce Mediation for a Free Consultation.