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7 Signs It is Time for a Divorce
Ending a marriage is never easy. There could be complicated and emotional issues to consider, such as child custody, property division, spousal support, and relocation. For that reason, some individuals ignore the signs that it could be time for a divorce.
However, ignoring the signs that it is time for a divorce does not resolve the situation. In many cases, ignoring marital problems until they become huge issues can make a divorce proceeding more difficult and costly. Instead of filing for an uncontested divorce or collaborative divorce, the couple must go through a contested divorce proceeding because they cannot communicate effectively to resolve issues.
If you are experiencing issues in your marriage, it might be time to face the fact that a divorce may be the best solution to the problems. Below are seven signs that could indicate it is time to consider a divorce.
If you are unsure whether you might need to consider a divorce, ask yourself these seven questions:
Has Your Spouse Been Unfaithful?
Florida is a no-fault state for divorce actions. You do not need to have specific “grounds” for divorce, such as adultery or abuse, to obtain a divorce. However, if your spouse has been unfaithful, it could be the end of your marriage.
Some couples can overcome cheating through counseling. However, if your spouse has repeated affairs or you cannot forgive your spouse and forget about the affair, it may be time to consider a divorce.
Does Your Spouse Refuse to Seek Counseling?
If you and your spouse are having problems, counseling can be an effective way to resolve the issues. Marital counseling assists couples work through their issues in a safe, non-judgmental environment. A therapist or counselor helps couples identify their issues and work toward resolving the problems to build a strong, healthy relationship.
However, if your spouse refuses to participate in counseling, you may not be able to resolve the issues. The only course of action you may have left is to file for divorce.
Are You the Victim of Domestic Violence?
There is never a justifiable reason for abuse or domestic violence. Many spouses remain in an abusive marriage out of fear, financial reasons, or because they believe they can “change” their partner. Unfortunately, very few abusers change.
There is help available for victims of domestic violence or abuse. You can contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline online or by calling 1-800-500-1119. You can also contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline online or by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Call 911 if you are in danger right now.
Be careful when using your computer or smartphone to research domestic violence or contact domestic violence hotlines. Your partner may have access to those devices. A domestic abuse lawyer can also help you develop a plan to keep you and your children safe as you begin divorce proceedings.
Does Your Partner Refuse to Discuss Problems or Issues?
Every couple encounters problems throughout their marriage. The key to resolving issues is effective communication. If your spouse refuses to discuss issues or problems with you, it can make matters worse.
Refusing to communicate can create other issues. You may be unable to be effective parents, manage money, or advance in your career if you have a spouse who refuses to communicate.
As mentioned above, therapy and counseling could help, but your spouse must be willing to communicate and discuss problems during these sessions for the therapy to be effective.
Can You Trust Your Partner?
Trust is a critical element of a successful marriage. Trust issues may be related to a variety of situations, including finances, faithfulness, and raising children.
If you cannot trust your spouse, your marriage may already be over. A divorce may merely be the legal process for ending the marriage on paper.
Are You and Your Partner Intimate?
Intimacy is another key element in a marriage. While partners may go through periods where they may be more or less intimate, a complete lack of intimacy can be an issue. A lack of intimacy can be a sign of other problems, such as adultery.
Do You and Your Partner Disagree About Financial Matters?
Money problems are one of the most common reasons for marital discourse. Spouses may argue about allocating their income, how much they can afford to pay for items or spending habits.
If you and your spouse have a fundamental disagreement about financial matters, it could be a serious issue. It is important that you discuss financial issues now instead of putting them off until later. Disagreements on financial matters could impact your career decisions, retirement, and decisions about having children.
The Main Takeaway for Individuals
It is common for couples to argue and have disagreements. However, if you cannot communicate with your partner, trust your spouse, or are the victim of abuse, it may be time to talk to a divorce attorney to learn about your legal rights and options.
Contact Our Divorce Law Firm in Orlando, FL
Contact the experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.
McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803