Ending a marriage is often an emotionally exhausting event. When you are in the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to get a clearer picture and find solutions to problems. It is hard to stay productive or make sense of anything when your world is upside down. It gets even more difficult when there are children involved. Pay attention to the common warning signs below that indicate your marriage is beyond repair. You can speak to us at Lawrence Law Office if you need more answers.
Abuse
Both physical and emotional forms of abuse can be damaging to any relationship. It is a pattern of behavior used by one partner to gain and maintain control over the other. It indicates a complete lack of respect. When one spouse is continually belittled, the marriage becomes unhealthy for both partners. It undermines the relationship and can leave a long-lasting psychological mark. It also erodes the victim’s self-confidence and leaves them with low self-esteem. If you are trapped in an abusive relationship, a divorce can be the best way to save yourself and your children.
Infidelity
While not always the case, an extramarital affair often destroys a marriage. It replaces the trust in a relationship with the feeling of betrayal. It turns a partner into a total stranger in an instant. Infidelity also exposes underlying issues in a relationship to the surface. While it is possible for some marriages to survive infidelity, the emotional scars that are left behind can drag the relationship down. It will be hard to regain trust, which is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. Some couples are willing to move past the issue for the good of their relationship or children. You mustn’t be putting on blinders to stay in a now unhappy marriage to avoid the unknown. It is necessary that both equally take the steps required to rehabilitate the marriage. If you cannot trust your spouse again, it is doubtful that you will fix the marriage.
Abandonment
Abandonment, also known as desertion, is when one spouse leaves the marriage without consent. The length of the abandonment is usually a year or more as it varies from state to state. Sometimes a partner may decide to leave a toxic marriage due to security reasons or life-threatening situations. Then the partner can claim constructive desertion by proving the other spouse has made it impossible to stay. For example, physical or emotional abuse to the spouse and, in some cases, refusing sexual intercourse may fall under constructive desertion.
Lack of Communication
Lack of communication can cause serious problems in a marriage. Over the years, communication seems to have disappeared as couples start to take each other for granted. You may go on not talking to each other for days, thinking it’s normal. This can lead to an inability to communicate and resolve conflicts together. It can lead to constant disagreements regarding important issues such as finances or the best way to raise the children. As time goes, it can drive a permanent wedge in the relationship that can lead to divorce.
Conclusion
Whether you have been married for only one year or over 30 years, going through a divorce can still be an emotional and painful process. If you have decided to end the marriage, it is important to do it gracefully. Always remember you have the right to make this choice for yourself and your children.