Nine signs your man could be about to leave you, according to divorce lawyer – including key thing they do with the kids

IF you've been with your partner for years, you might think you know them inside out and be able to read them like a book - so you'd definitely know the signs they were unhappy, right?. It turns out this isn't always the case however, as seemingly positive changes within a partner - like taking the bins out without being asked or buying you gifts - could actually even be a sign your husband is thinking about leaving the marriage.

With last month unofficially considered to be 'national break-up month', this time of year can be particularly dicey for couples who have been having difficulties already. And the signs aren't immediately obvious either, with family lawyer Julian Bremner suggesting even seemingly positive behaviours - such as stepping up their parental duties and splashing out on a fancy new perfume for you - could spell trouble.

He says: “Sometimes the signs are not obvious that you are heading for a break-up. "For example, when 'girls' or 'boys' trips become more frequent or constant, they can provide cover for an affair. "I had one client who ran into one of his wife’s friends and discovered that there had been no ‘girls trips’ at all - she had been seeing her new man.". Here, Julian shares the nine surprising signs your partner may be considering leaving - and can also serve as a warning that maybe your relationship requires counselling...

Watching your partner playing with your kids is a touching moment, and it's important to nurture those relationships. But while your other half suddenly paying a more than keen interest in childcare duties is a good thing, if it's out of the ordinary and you suspect there's something off, there may be a reason. Julian says: "If a man is thinking about leaving his spouse, it is not uncommon for him to take pre-separation advice from a family law solicitor.

"Men’s key concern upon separation is the loss of children or the potential loss of children. Once alone, if they revert to ignoring you, it may be a sign that they have internally moved on. "They will have been told in their meeting with the family law solicitor that they need to build a 'status quo' prior to separation showing their active engagement with the children. "This would support, post-separation, their ability to argue for a shared care regime.

"So, this translates to becoming 'father of the year' overnight.". Having “game face” - a determined look or bravado they seem to only sport when in company to convince others everything is peachy - but being barely communicative when you're alone, could be another sign. Julian, Executive Partner and Financial Arbitrator at Rayden Solicitors, says: "This can indicate that your partner has fallen into a 'role'.

"He knows what is required when in company and they play the part to perfection. "However, once alone, if that partner reverts to not paying. attention or, at worst, ignoring you, it may be a sign that they have internally moved on from you and you should consider counselling.". Confusingly, being particularly attentive could be an indicator something is amiss. Julian says: "The guilt that one party may feel in having an affair can manifest itself as being overly nice, helpful etc, in their primary relationship to try and cover their tracks.

"Maybe they are being more complimentary about you in front of others, or perhaps being more tactile. "They don’t want the other party to think they are having an affair so therefore they are attentive to them and their needs. "This creates a smoke screen for what they are actually doing.". They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth - but maybe sometimes you need to. So if your partner is suddenly very thoughtful, buying your favourite smellies or takeaway, or very keen to splash the cash on fancy gifts like a new car or holiday, something could be amiss.

Julian says: "This is very similar to the 'being nice' issue above. "Guilt at an affair can lead to that party showering gifts on their spouse. "It also may be the case that they are spending equal money on their lover. "In a kind of twisted logic they may then decide that is acceptable if they spend the same on their spouse, out of fairness.". According to Julian, the relationship becoming more friendly than frisky is terribly common in the breakdown of marriages.

Julian says: "I constantly hear 'we have just become good roommates'. "This is where the division of labour in running the household, the. children’s lives (particularly when they are a little older and have a plethora of hobbies and sports that mean careful planning) is required from both parents. "If you are no longer finding time to spend time on you as a couple and have interests that are only enjoyed by you as a couple outside of your role as parents and providers, this can kill a marriage slowly and.