Having a baby can pull a lot of married couples closer together, but there can also be upsetting circumstances that make you consider getting divorced while you're carrying a child. For example, if you learn of a long-term affair that your husband has had, or he becomes abusive toward you, you may decide that regardless of being pregnant, you do not wish to remain married. Pregnancy and divorce are emotional events on their own, but when you combine them, this can become an extremely difficult period of your life. Here are some steps to take.
Determine If You Can Legally Divorce
It's a difficult decision to choose to divorce your husband while you're pregnant, but making this decision doesn't automatically mean that you can move forward with the paperwork. Divorce while pregnant is legally permitted in some states and not legally permitted in other states. You'll want to contact — discreetly, perhaps — a divorce attorney in your area to inquire whether or not divorce is feasible where you live. If so, the attorney can begin to work with you right away. If not, you may need to entertain the idea of separating until after you've had the child.
Decide What to Do with the Child
Women who find themselves in this difficult situation may have different feelings about what they want to do upon giving birth. Lots of women won't hesitate to have their child and raise the baby as a single parent. Others may long for a fresh start and contemplate putting the child up for adoption. You'll need to evaluate what works best for you. Your divorce attorney can be a useful person for helping you connect with the resources that you need — whether it's an adoption professional or perhaps a social worker.
Figure Out Some Logistics
There are some logistics to figure out when you're thinking about divorcing while pregnant. There's a good chance of your divorce being contentious, given that people don't commonly divorce each other during a pregnancy if they're getting along well. This means that you may need to make plans to live with a family member or friend during this trying time. If you're afraid for you and your unborn child, talk to your divorce attorney — who is likely a family attorney and is capable of handling a variety of domestic situations — about meeting with law enforcement to obtain a restraining order against your husband.
To learn more, contact firms like Dionisio Law today.
