If you’ve decided to divorce after a landmark event, such as finding your spouse cheating on you, you may want to get free of them as soon as possible.
That is understandable, yet before you go barreling ahead, consider why it might pay to slow down.
Rushing can lead to mistakes
You are probably not in the best mental position to make decisions right now, and your decisions will affect you for years to come.
Giving yourself some time to think things over might lead you to change your mind. Perhaps you decide that one betrayal does not outweigh the overall happiness your spouse brings you.
Waiting gives you time to prepare
Even if you stick to your guns and file for divorce, waiting before telling your spouse can allow you to prepare yourself emotionally and financially.
For example, you might decide to wait a couple of months until you have saved enough to rent another place to live during the divorce. Or you might decide to take advantage of the free child care your spouse offers to take a course that will boost your job prospects so you can earn enough when you are single again.
There may be financial advantages to delaying
By giving yourself time to investigate more about how divorce works, you may find out that it is better to wait a year because it will work out better for you in terms of tax or entitlement to certain benefits.
Once you tell your spouse you want a divorce, it will change things between you for good. Consider getting legal guidance now to help you make an informed decision about your next move.