My relationship is in crisis. What can I do to avoid divorce or ease the separation?
Before any separation. You can seek couples therapy or marital mediation. This provides a neutral space for listening, supervised by a professional, which encourages the search for a positive solution for your couple.
Before or after separation. Family mediation helps restore communication between you and your spouse. It is a voluntary process aimed at restoring dialogue and preserving your fragile family ties.
It can resolve issues such as the liquidation of the matrimonial regime, parental authority, child support, and compensatory allowance.
Led by a qualified, neutral, and impartial family mediator, it provides a safe and confidential setting for the parties to work together to find solutions that meet their needs (see fact sheet 35, “What is mediation?”).
After the actual separation. First, you have the option of a de facto separation. You live separately without any formal legal proceedings, but without terminating the duties of marriage (assistance, fidelity, etc.) that remain.
This cessation of cohabitation can be a good way to ease tensions between you. It is advisable to put this de facto separation in writing to avoid any future disagreements.
Finally, if the decision to divorce is made in a calm atmosphere and you agree on all the effects of the divorce, opt for divorce by mutual consent (see fact sheet 8 on Divorce by mutual consent). This divorce procedure is quick, less expensive, less contentious, confidential, and more flexible.
Gaëtan ESCUDEY is available to help you prepare for your divorce and minimize its impact.