If your spouse’s decision to end the marriage is unexpected and/or unwelcome, it is likely that you will be feeling a lot of strong emotions such as hurt, sadness, betrayal and/or fear, particularly if the news is recent.
If your spouse is uncertain about the decision, you may wish to suggest couples counselling. This process will help you and your spouse to explore whether the issues in your marriage can be resolved. If they cannot, couples counselling can also be used to aid a more amicable separation.
Ensuring that you have a good support network is a really important first step. This could be family and friends or a professional (i.e. a counsellor/psychologist).
If your spouse wishes to progress your separation/divorce, the more emotionally supported you feel, the better your judgement will be when it comes to making important decisions.
Seeking early legal advice is also key. The more informed you are, the more in control you will feel.
For more information on couples counselling see Episode 1 of our Podcast Series, Confidante & Co, https://confidante.law/podcast-series/ and find out about local resources for emotional help for youself and your children on our Signposting Blog at https://confidante.law/resources/