When entering a marriage, you think of the best outcome possible with two people in love who will do everything they can to keep their vows. Unfortunately, life isn’t always like the movies where a couple stays happily married for decades. Things happen, and not every couple stays together and chooses to divorce.
Every marriage is different and no two people are the same. Whether you’ve been married for decades, a few years, or even months, deciding to end your marriage is difficult. If you’re on the fence about getting a divorce and unsure whether it’s a good choice for your circumstances, keep reading as we discuss some signs it might be time to divorce.
Inability to Resolve Conflict
Two people who love each other deeply want the very best for one another. Your spouse is supposed to be your lifelong partner and best friend, always rooting for you and encouraging you throughout your marriage. When you enter your marriage you both should have respect for one another, always working toward a resolution when conflicts arise.
Unfortunately, not all married couples will resolve conflict. Whether it’s a major decision for your children, a disagreement about moving, or a completely different scenario, conflicts arise in every marriage. Whether or not the couple wants to resolve conflict says a lot about their marriage and whether they’re willing to work toward a resolution. Settling major disagreements is important for the health of your marriage, and if you can’t get there, it may be best to legally separate and divorce.
Lack of Emotional Intimacy
Intimacy in a marriage isn’t always physical. Emotional intimacy is just as, if not more important, to have in a marriage. When a couple connects emotionally by sharing thoughts, opinions, and secrets, they feel an emotional connection. However, if you or your spouse aren’t connecting emotionally, the distance might be too much to restore. Lack of emotional intimacy can feel like an invisible wall is being put between couples, often resulting in divorce if the effort isn’t put into restoring their emotional intimacy.
Misconduct
There are several types of misconduct that, although they aren’t required to have proof when getting a divorce, can help the court determine how to divide assets or configure spousal maintenance. Below are several types of misconduct in a marriage:
Economic Misconduct
If you or your spouse has secretly gambled excessive amounts of money and has lost a significant amount, that is known as economic misconduct. Other examples of economic misconduct include destroying property, or any deceitful way of hiding or spending money.
Abuse
If you or a loved one is being physically or emotionally abused, it’s crucial to seek help. Plenty of resources for domestic violence victims are available 24/7 – seek help immediately.
Unfortunately, some marriages involve emotional and even physical abuse. Domestic violence and emotional abuse happen in marriages across the globe, not just here in Missouri, and understandably are grounds for divorce. Abuse isn’t always physical; examples of emotional abuse include being controlling, constantly being criticized, and always being put down.
Extramarital Affairs
Another form of misconduct, extramarital affairs often indicates divorce is imminent. Affairs occur when one spouse has a physical relationship with someone outside their marriage. Extramarital affairs have a major negative impact on everyone in the family. Though they’re a form of misconduct, they’re unfortunately common. According to the American Psychological Association, 20-40% of divorces are the result of an extramarital affair.
Marriage Counseling Isn’t Working to Resolve Issues
Attending marriage counseling with your spouse to resolve issues is a great way to attempt to save your marriage. A neutral third party can help you and your spouse discuss and dissect issues in your marriage and work toward a resolution. However, marriage counseling only works if both spouses work on resolving issues with their marriage counselor. If you’ve tried marriage counseling and either you or your spouse can’t make progress, it might be time to discuss divorce.
If you need help with a divorce or establishing a parenting plan or modifying an existing parenting plan, or child custody, the The Kuhl Law Firm, LLC can help. We’re dedicated to the practice of family law and can help guide you through the entire process. Our office is in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. In addition to our physical location, our firm’s family and divorce attorneys have practiced in Jackson, Clay, Cass, Lafayette, and Platte County, Missouri. Contact our family law firm today to schedule a consultation – we can meet in person or via Zoom.
With over fifty-three years of combined legal experience, our family law firm is a team skilled in negotiation and litigation, handling family law matters from the most complex to the most straightforward. Our zealous team of attorneys will handle your case with expert knowledge and professionalism.