Divorce Issues Caused By Mother-in-Law

The no-fault divorce laws in Florida mean you can petition a court and receive a divorce decree without revealing much about your reasons for ending the marriage. To receive your divorce, you only need to inform the court that there are irreconcilable differences between you and your partner. No-fault divorce has contributed to the present divorce rates throughout the U.S.

While some couples have internal issues that make their marriages fail, others face challenges from outside the relationship. Mothers-in-law, in particular, can have a poisonous effect on marriages if couples aren’t careful. 

How Your Mother-in-Law Is Ruining Your Marriage

Extended family members like mothers-in-law can be a blessing and support to some marriages. However, they can also create unnecessary strife in a marriage by sharing their thoughts and opinions about their son or daughter’s spouse. This can lead to a rift between the couple for no reason other than the mother-in-law does not like or trust their child’s spouse.

Other mothers-in-law may inject themselves into issues that do not involve them and insist their children follow their advice. If you are the child whose mother is behaving in this way, it can cause tension within your marriage, as you feel torn between pleasing your parent and supporting your spouse.

Tips For Avoiding Divorce-By-Mother-in-Law

Having a mother-in-law who crosses boundaries does not need to cause your divorce. However, the longer you delay taking action, the more difficult it will be to reassert healthy boundaries and regain privacy and control over your marriage. The following tips can help you do just that.

Take Responsibility

If your parent is the one meddling in your marriage, it falls on you to not only confront the situation but also support your spouse. Do not put the primary responsibility for addressing your parent’s behavior on your partner. Instead, involve your partner and allow them to express their feelings. Support them and remind them that you are on their side.

If you are the person whose mother-in-law is causing strife within your marriage, do not address the situation without first talking with your spouse. Ideally, your spouse should take the lead in setting any boundaries that need to be set with their parent. If they do not, you should at least tell your partner what you intend to do or say to their meddling parent.

Put On a United Front

You and your spouse are a team, and you should confront the situation as such. Communicate with one another and agree on a strategy for confronting the situation. If you are the child confronting their parent, be direct and stay on topic when communicating with them. Do not allow your parent to start discussing their issues with your spouse.

If your partner is confronting their parent, be sensitive to the fact that it can be difficult for your loved one to set these necessary boundaries. Give them your emotional support and presence before and after they have this potentially difficult conversation. You should also communicate how much it means to you that they are supporting you by taking such decisive action.

Your Mother-in-Law Doesn’t Have To Doom Your Marriage

Although it can be uncomfortable and difficult to deal with a mother-in-law who will not respect you or your marriage, it need not be the cause of your marriage’s dissolution. It can even be an opportunity for you and your partner to support one another and prioritize your marriage, thereby bringing you closer together.

If it is your parent who is meddling or criticizing, take responsibility by confronting them sooner rather than later. Support your partner throughout the process and communicate with one another. By considering your partner’s needs and feelings, the two of you can find a way to support each other and move beyond this situation as a team.

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