How you ask for a divorce sets the stage for the future

Deep down inside you know you've done everything possible to save your marriage. Now, it's time to learn more about the divorce process.

As you focus on moving forward with your life, there's one last thing you need to do: Ask your spouse for a divorce.

Since this is one of the most difficult conversations you'll ever have, it's essential to prepare yourself for every possible scenario.

Here are five things you can do to ease the stress of asking for a divorce:

• Prepare yourself: This is the key to success, as proper preparation will ease your mind and put you in position to move through the conversation in a timely and efficient manner.
• Choose the right time and place: You shouldn't underestimate the importance of taking this step. There is a right time and place to ask for a divorce. There are also many times when you shouldn't even consider bringing this topic to light.
• Write down what you want to say: This may sound silly, but it's better to be safe than sorry. If you have concerns about forgetting what you want to say, this is one of the most important steps you can take.
• Remain firm: You should expect your spouse to attempt to talk you out of your decision. If you've given this a lot of thought and are 100 percent sure that divorce is the answer, you should remain firm throughout the conversation.
• Don't dive into the details: You don't have to discuss the details of your divorce at this time. For example, your spouse may want to talk about who will remain in the house, who will have physical custody of your children and whether one party will pay alimony. These are all important details, but you have time to discuss these later on.

When you ask for a divorce in the appropriate manner, it puts you in better position as the process picks up.

Conversely, if you make mistakes at this time, it could bring a variety of additional challenges to light in the days, weeks and months to come.

Once you have the initial divorce conversation out of the way, turn your attention to the most important details and the steps you can take to protect your legal rights.