How to break the news about divorce?

When I went through my own divorce, I found it incredibly difficult to tell my ex-husband that I wanted to end the marriage. In fact, I don’t even remember the conversation clearly. Hi, I’m Katherine Miller, and I’ve been a divorce attorney in New York City and New York State for over 30 years. I’ve put together a guide to help you navigate that challenging conversation of telling your spouse that you’ve decided to end the marriage.

Here’s a sneak peek from my guide: Timing is crucial. Avoid having this conversation in the middle of a fight. Instead, choose a calm moment for a thoughtful and supportive discussion. Don’t let it be a conversation fueled by anger or shouted in the heat of the moment. Such an approach can lead to a negative outcome and potentially costly repercussions.

Another important tip is where to have this conversation. It’s best to do it in person rather than through text, which can seem impersonal and harsh. If you’re in therapy, consider having this conversation with the therapist present. Inform the therapist in advance so they can help facilitate the discussion. This setting can make the conversation come across as more compassionate and constructive, rather than reactive.

If you’d like more tips on handling this delicate conversation, click the link below to download my “Breaking the News” guide. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call my team.