New Hampshire law allows you to file for divorce for any reason, but it doesn’t mean that your spouse is going to make it easy to leave. However, there are steps that you may be able to take in an effort to extricate yourself from a toxic relationship in a safe manner.
Telegraph your decision
A person is less likely to act in an angry or violent way if your request for a divorce is expected. Therefore, it may be a good idea to suggest that a divorce might be coming if things don’t change or that it might be coming in the future regardless of what happens. Doing so gives your spouse time to process and come to terms with the changes that are about to happen.
Have an exit strategy
Prior to announcing your intention to get a divorce, take steps to ensure that you have a support system in place. For instance, you could ask your parents to pick you up from the family home just after you decide to announce the divorce. At a minimum, it means that someone is able to call for help or otherwise assist you if your partner turns violent. You could also arrange for a friend or family member to provide you with shelter, a job or other resources that can help with the transition to the single life.
Stay strong
Your spouse may try to use emotional manipulation tactics in an effort to get you to stay. However, once you have made the decision to get a divorce, you should follow through as failing to do so may further embolden your spouse to engage in such tactics in the future.
