Ending a relationship in The Sims 4 is rarely as simple as clicking a single button, especially when you are dealing with a Sim bound by the mechanics of marriage. While romance can fade due to neglect or a chaotic household, the legal severance of a union requires a specific process. To divorce a Sim, you must navigate the in-game judicial system, manage the emotional fallout, and meticulously divide shared assets. This guide provides a thorough walkthrough of the steps required to successfully dissolve a marriage and move your digital life forward.
Initiating the Legal Separation
The first step in any divorce is filing the paperwork, and in The Sims 4, this is handled through the computer. Your Sim must have a computer or a laptop available to interact with the "Plan" menu. Once you have selected the computer, navigate to the "Plan" option and choose "Try for Baby." This action opens the pregnancy planner interface. From here, select the option to "Try for Baby with…" and then deliberately choose "No, just a regular try for baby." This specific sequence tricks the game into registering a marital dispute, which is the catalyst for the divorce request.
Managing the Fight and Emotional State
After selecting the "regular try for baby" option, a fight will immediately break out between the two Sims involved in the marriage. It is crucial not to intervene and stop this argument. Allow the conflict to run its natural course, as this is the game’s method of registering the relationship’s demise. During this fight, pay close attention to the emotional state meters; jealousy and anger will spike significantly. Let the fight conclude naturally, which will result in the relationship between the two Sims hitting rock bottom and the divorce request being formally issued.
Waiting for the Judge's Ruling
Following the fight, a notification will appear indicating that the couple has been summoned to City Hall to meet the Judge. This is the official divorce hearing. You will need to guide both Sims to the designated location at the appointed time. If the Sim seeking the divorce fails to show up, the request will be voided, and the relationship status will remain unchanged. When the Sims arrive, the Judge will mediate the situation. You will be presented with a final confirmation prompt asking if you want to finalize the divorce. Confirming this action is the point of no return, as the marriage will be terminated immediately.
Handling the Aftermath of the Judgment
Once the divorce is finalized, the Sim who initiated the split will receive a negative moodlet related to sadness or embarrassment, reflecting the emotional toll of the separation. Conversely, the other Sim might receive a positive moodlet indicating relief or satisfaction, depending on the circumstances of the breakup. The relationship score between the two will be set to a neutral or negative state, and they will no longer share the "Married" status. It is important to note that any shared traits, such as "Soulmates," will be removed from the Sim who did not initiate the divorce.
Financial and Asset Division
Unlike real life, The Sims 4 does not have a complex alimony or child support system post-divorce. However, the division of assets is handled through the standard inventory management screen. If the Sims were living together, you will need to move out and separate their belongings. Open the inventory of the household and drag and drop items into the personal inventories of the respective Sims. While the game does not split the mortgage, you will need to ensure that only one Sim remains on the lot if you intend to sell the house, or you must manually handle the financial responsibilities of the property.
