Marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment, but sometimes circumstances change, or problems arise that make divorce seem like the only option. How can you tell if your relationship has deteriorated to the point where divorce should be considered? Recognizing some of the common warning signs can help you determine if it’s time to consult a divorce attorney.
Money Problems can Lead to a Divorce
Financial issues are a major contributing factor for many divorces. According to a survey by U.S. News, nearly 20% of divorced people say that debt played a role in their breakup. Additionally, a CNBC survey found that 54% of respondents believe having a partner who is in debt is a major reason to consider divorce.
Constan tmoney problems like debt, overspending, and lack of financial compatibility can quickly erode the foundation of trust and stability that a marriage relies on. If you and your spouse frequently argue about finances or find yourselves avoiding the topic, it may be time to discuss with experienced divorce lawyers, and to start thinking about the divorce process as an option for you.
Lack of Compatibility with your Spouse
Another common reason marriages fail is a fundamental lack of compatibility. This seems obvious, but the full extent of a couple’s compatibility isn’t always clear early on. In fact, lack of compatibility is the top reason for new couples to divorce, with 59% of couples who divorced in their first year citing this cause.
As time passes, differences in values, life goals, interests, communication styles, problem-solving approaches, intimacy needs, and more can become deal-breakers. If you’ve grown apart rather than together, divorce may be the right choice.
Unresolved Conflict in the Marriage
All couples argue sometimes, but how you fight and resolve conflict is telling. When disagreements consistently escalate into hurtful arguments focused on past grievances, this suggests a lack of mutual understanding and respect. Letting problems fester rather than communicating openly can poison a relationship over time.
Pay attention to any ongoing conflict cycles in your marriage. Do you fight about the same issues again and again without resolution? Does communication frequently break down? Do arguments get heated and personal? These are signs it may be time to call it quits.
Loss of Intimacy
Intimacy encompasses both physical and emotional closeness. If you no longer connect intimately with your spouse on either level, this is a serious red flag. Lack of physical intimacy may stem from medical problems, stress, anger, or simply losing that loving feeling. Emotional intimacy fades when partners stop communicating openly and supporting each other.
Whatever the cause, losing intimacy signals profound disconnection. If you’ve lost all physical and emotional closeness with your spouse, divorce attorneys can help you move forward.
Lack of Effort
Marriages require consistent effort from both partners. When one spouse repeatedly makes no effort to understand, connect with, or address the other’s concerns, it conveys disregard for the relationship.
One partner refusing counseling or otherwise avoiding working on the marriage is a clear sign things are broken. If you’re the only one trying, while your spouse remains disengaged, non-communicative, or half-hearted in resolving problems, divorce may be your only recourse.
A Better Understanding of Marriage Could Avoid Many Divorces
Many divorces could potentially have been avoided if couples better understood what lifelong marriage entails. According to a survey, 63% of divorcees believe a better understanding of the commitments of marriage could have helped them avoid divorce.
Marriage has ups and downs, and lasting unions require flexibility, effort and commitment from both partners. Premarital counseling clearly outlines these realities so couples enter marriage with realistic expectations. If you didn’t have premarital counseling, seek marriage counseling before considering divorce.
Knowing when to let go of a broken marriage isn’t easy but recognizing the common warning signs can help. Pay attention if your relationship shows patterns like unresolved conflict, incompatibility, lack of intimacy, unmet needs or lack of effort. If you identify with several warning signs, it may be time to consult a divorce attorney. With professional guidance, you can make the best decision for your situation.
