How to Ask for a Trial Separation

During a marriage, a time may come where you feel you would be better off living alone. If you feel like this, you may want to consider asking your spouse for a trial separation. A trial separation is an opportunity for you to see if this is what you really want.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick a private time and place to talk to your spouse. Screaming children or being out in public will make concentrating difficult for both of you. Take the children to a friend or relative, and talk to your spouse at home.

2. Be specific. Tell him the reasons you want a trial separation. Make sure that you include all of the reasons. Leaving some out to spare his feelings will make it things harder for you later.

3. Set some rules. Specify how long the trial separation will last. If you want to date other people, talk to her about this. Discuss how the finances will be handled. Talk about where the children will stay. Setting these rules now will help you both know what to expect during the separation.

4. Stand your ground. Your spouse may try to convince you to stay. If this happens, it is very important to remember why you are asking for this trial separation. Being wishy washy will hurt you later because the problems will probably remain unfixed.

5. Decide how you will tell the children and other family members. Make sure that you break the news gently. This is especially important if they were unaware of your marital problems prior to the trial separation.