What are the preliminary steps to take before separating from your spouse?

seeing a atty to find out what the laws of your state are.

Make sure you REALLY want to take that step. Even if you manage to smooth things over afterward and end up back together, there can be lasting impacts. If you're absolutely certain that this is the best step for your relationship (and any kids you have) contact an attourney - some will give a preliminary consultation for free or a reduced fee.

oh, and forget the idiot advice about "hide what you want.." that someone gave. You can get in a LOT of trouble for that if it comes to divorce.

First get a lawyer. Set up your own checking account. Have a stash of cash, cloths and car keys with a trusted friend. Its better if you have your own job to support yourself. Make sure that the deed to your car and house have your name on them instead of just spouse. Find a place to rent or a friend to stay with if you can't stay in the house. And most important of all "BE NICE ABOUT EVERYTHING" You never know when some nasty remark or action will come back to bite you in the butt. Epically in court in front a judge.

A great way to help you sort out what you want to do it to have an honest talk with your spouse about what you are considering, then get you both into a group called Divorce Care. It's not to get you divorced or to make you stay together, rather geared toward helping you figure out what to do in a responsible way.

www.divorcecare.org website will give you a group near you.

I wish you the best.

1. Evaluate your finances - start setting aside some money

2. See a lawyer (particularly if you have children)

3. Discreetly find other living arrangments

you have to go to the court and get the paperwork for setting up the divorce papers, then when you draw up the papers you take them to a lawyer to have them look over it and so that they can make sure you know what it is that you are intitled to ask for and what you are qualified to recieve from the person you are divorcing. then when the paperwork is finished the lawyer will have them delivered to him and you go from there, your lawyer is saposed to let you kjnow what to do next!

Not sure where you are in the world but this could be of help in any country! It is a good framework to work from. Good luck!

separate first. divorce later.

Hide what you want and don't let her see you doing it!!!

packing.