The media presents divorce as something that is quite common, touting that nearly 50% of American weddings end in divorce. With celebrities publicizing marriages that seemingly last for five minutes, it is not hard to see why divorce can seem like such a nonchalant thing. However, it is quite serious and can affect all aspects of your life. Divorce is not something you should go into without thinking about it. Before you decide on legally separating, here are some questions to consider.
Do you have feelings for your spouse?
Does the decision to divorce stem from no longer having positive emotions toward your spouse or something else? If there are feelings of love or affection, maybe the relationship is salvageable? Oftentimes, daily conflicts can cloud our initial feelings towards our spouse. If there is any of the initial spark, consider counseling or therapy before divorce.
Do you really want a divorce?
There are some cases where individuals will use divorce as a threat to manipulate a spouse into doing something. Does this divorce stem out of a true need to separate or out of negative emotions such as anger and frustration? Take a step back and really evaluate your wish for a divorce. It is a long and often expensive process, make sure you are prepared for it.
Is emotion dictating your desire to get a divorce?
When emotions are highly charged, it can be difficult to think rationally. You need to be practical about the divorce. Are you seeking a divorce because of emotion or because it is the best route for you and your spouse? Take a moment to reflect on your current situation. Is the relationship something that can be fixed with counseling? You should have a clear head when going into a divorce because the decisions will affect your life.
Have you thought about the adverse consequences of divorce?
Divorce is a final decision; once processed, you can’t change it. That is why it is important to understand all the consequences of getting a divorce. What will your financial circumstances look like? How will you divide property and assets? Who will get custody of the children? These are all things to consider when divorcing. This process can also be very expensive. You need to know whether you can afford it or not.
At Family Law Advocacy Group, we understand how difficult it is to acknowledge and accept the end of a marriage. If you have decided on divorcing your spouse, contact our San Bernardino divorce attorneys today. We’ll review your case for free.