If someone is having marital problems, how can they determine if divorce is the right solution for their relationship? That question is not easily answered since each relationship has its own set of unique circumstances. Perhaps they have children that they need to consider, or they should give their marriage more attention before resorting to divorce. Or maybe one or both spouses in a marriage is a high net worth individual which is even more complicated.
One thing is true: marriage is a legal contract and is a serious commitment that deserves effort and thoughtfulness from both parties. While the reasons for divorce may be very different and unique, taking into consideration the following matters can help someone in that uncertain situation think more thoroughly about that next step and facilitate their thought process:
- Consider Marriage Counseling – If one’s marriage is going downhill, and they are having a tough time communicating, marriage counseling can be a step in the right direction. Not only can it improve communication, but it can get to the root of the problem so that the couple can come up with the right solution. This can help one spouse to understand the other spouse’s issues, and vice versa, so they know how to support each other. It may be difficult to see this now, but marriage counseling can help a couple become even closer than they were before.
- Work on Building the Relationship – This is a key player in a healthy marriage. Life is busy, and often couples will drift apart from each other simply because they are not spending enough quality time together. Being in the same house together does not mean the same thing as spending quality time together. A couple should think about the things they used to enjoy doing together and schedule time to do those things again. It can be as simple as going out to dinner at their favorite restaurant or scheduling a romantic getaway that might mimic that of their honeymoon. Whatever the case may be, learning how to incorporate more time for the other spouse and the relationship can make a huge difference.
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- Think Through Life Without Them – One way to think about divorce is to picture what life would be like without the other spouse. Would they be missed? Would life be fulfilling without them? This way of thinking can help someone understand if their marital issues are bigger than their relationship or if those issues are worth working through because their relationship is too important to them. Perhaps taking some time apart can help to assess this even better. Just remember that if one is considering a separation, there are some things you need to keep in mind.
- Consult With a Divorce Attorney – Perhaps the red flags in one’s marriage are too much to work through, and divorce is the only solution that they can imagine. If that is the case, it is important to talk with an experienced divorce attorney as soon as possible so they can help you prepare for what is ahead.
Divorce might be the right solution for some, but it is not always the only answer. Ensuring one takes into account the above considerations, and any of their own, is essential before making any drastic decisions.
For information about what our experienced attorneys at Wilder Mahood McKinley & Oglesby can do to help you, contact us online or call our office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 412-261-4040.
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