Few people go into marriage with a plan for what they will do if it ends. If you are fighting all the time and aren’t able to resolve your problems on your own, though, the possibility of divorce may come up in an argument. When that happens, it’s important to know how to respond.

Get Clarification

The first thing you want to do if your partner drops divorce into the conversation is to understand how serious he or she is about it. In the heat of an argument, tempers can run so hot that people say things they don’t mean. On the other hand, intense discussions can also bring up issues that the other person has been considering for a long time and just didn’t know how to tell you. Finding out exactly where you stand is essential for knowing how to move forward.

Get Counseling

If the mention of divorce is a cry for help, you probably would benefit from talking to a professional about it. Find a reputable marriage counselor near you. The therapist needs to be a good match for both of you, so it may take a while to find the right person, but he or she provides a neutral third party viewpoint to help you navigate and resolve your problems.

Get an Attorney

When the mention of divorce turns out to be more of an announcement than a question, it’s time to find an advocate. No matter how civil you think you and your partner will be during the proceedings, hiring your own Fairfax divorce lawyer is necessary. Your attorney can help you file the right paperwork and advise you to ensure you get your fair share when all is said and done.

Hearing that your spouse is thinking about divorce can be devastating. It doesn’t always mean the same thing the first time someone says it, though. Clarify what he or she means, and loop in the right professionals to help you.