Trial Separation

• Sometimes, what you and your spouse need is time to work through your issues. Before agreeing to divorce, give trial separation a try first. Not only is this a less permanent alternative, but it also helps keep the family intact as you decide what you really want to do. Agree to rules for the separation in terms of living quarters, dating, what you will tell people and anything else that may cause additional ripples in your relationship as you figure things out.
  
  

Counseling

• What may seem like an insurmountable issue can sometimes be worked out with the help of an objective third party. Attend marriage counseling to see if you can overcome the issues that are hurting your marriage. Both of you must agree to this in order for it work; otherwise, one person is left trying to repair damage caused by two people.
  
  

Stay

• Some people find that divorce will divide their families too much or cause significant financial strife and simply decide to stay in the relationship. In fact, many more couples do this than most people realize. This is not a long-term decision; you may decide to change your mind at any time. But there is more to consider than hurt feelings when you end a marriage.
  
  

Considerations

• In order to properly consider all of your options, you need to be informed. If you are considering divorce, consult with a marriage counselor and a divorce attorney. Both experts can give you a clear idea of what to expect in the divorce process and gauge whether or not, in their professional opinion, you have other options. No matter what your decision in the end, it is important to have all of the facts before you make one move over another.