It is natural for every married couple to argue and experience tension in their relationship, but sometimes these problems are symptoms of deeper relationship issues. Eventually, some couples decide that their marriage has passed the point of saving, and they have no other choice but to divorce.
If you feel like you have reached this point in your marriage, you are probably asking, “should I get a divorce?” The reality is that no one can answer this question for you. It is ultimately up to you to decide whether to keep trying to save your marriage or to end things as swiftly as possible so you can move on with your life. It is vital to know the most common reasons for divorce, the warning signs, and the telltale signs that it is time to walk away from your marriage.
What Is the #1 Cause of Divorce?
Some of the most commonly reported contributing factors to divorce in the US include infidelity, lack of commitment, and constant conflict and arguments. The most common reasons for divorce considered “final straw” actions most commonly include infidelity, domestic violence, or advanced substance abuse. It is more common for divorced individuals to blame their former spouses for their divorce than themselves.
What Are the Warning Signs of Divorce?
Every couple is different, and every marriage will have very different dynamics. Some couples are incredibly affectionate and enjoy being regular parts of each other’s lives, while other couples function best when they maintain some measure of respective independence. The warning signs of divorce generally differ from case to case, but some of the most commonly seen signs of a marriage heading for divorce include:
- More frequent and more intense arguments.
- Arguments that seem to arise from very inconsequential issues and quickly boil over into major conflicts.
- Lack of intimacy or sexual disinterest in one another. This can sometimes escalate to infidelity.
- Spending more time away from one another or even actively avoiding one another.
This list is not an exhaustive one. Any number of factors could contribute to a marriage’s dissolution. Once these signs begin to appear, it is up to the couple to decide whether they want to repair the rift between them or go their separate ways via divorce.
When You Should You Walk Away From Your Marriage?
The choice to end a marriage is a deeply personal one, and ultimately there is no “correct” time to commit to divorce. However, there are some incidents that should spur an individual to immediately pursue divorce proceedings, particularly domestic violence. If your spouse has abused you, your children, or another member of your family, call our firm immediately. It is best to initiate divorce proceedings as soon as possible to ensure they cannot repeat this behavior.
If you are unsure whether the time has come to start divorce proceedings, it is a good idea to meet with an experienced divorce attorney to discuss your options. If your spouse has done something abusive, dangerous, or criminal, your attorney can advise you on how best to proceed.
Am I Being Selfish for Wanting to Get a Divorce?
This is another deeply personal question that is difficult to answer for every unique case. It is natural to feel guilty, regretful, or even second-guess your decision to get a divorce once proceedings have begun. When it comes to the question of selfishness, an experienced attorney may be able to help you put your situation into a clearer perspective. Some people seek divorce because they have grown unsatisfied with their marriage and want to explore new relationships, which may not work out well for them in the long run. It’s important to take the divorce process seriously as it is permanent once finalized.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
You might think your divorce is straightforward enough that hiring an attorney would amount to money wasted on legal fees that you did not need to spend, but the reality is that having an attorney by your side means greater confidence and peace of mind in your case. The right attorney can help you determine whether your marriage is past the point of repair or if reconciliation may still be possible. A good attorney can also connect you to valuable resources that can make your divorce proceedings much easier to handle and even coordinate with expert witnesses if you must litigate a complex divorce.
If you are ready to take the first steps toward filing for divorce and want to learn more about what to expect, contact an experienced and reliable divorce attorney as soon as possible to start building your case.
