1. Can this marriage be saved? Ensure that you are ready to end your marriage and move on from the relationship before getting a divorce. You are not alone in feeling that you may be better off without your significant other. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a tremendous amount of strain on couples, which makes getting a divorce a very attractive solution, but file with caution. A 2014 survey by the Daily Mail reported that 50% of 2,000 divorced men and women regretted their decision to divorce.
Prior to filing for divorce give yourself time to reflect on the issues in your relationship. Go to couples and/or individual counseling to help you get to the bottom of why you want to end the marriage, but remember that it takes two to keep a marriage healthy. If your spouse does not want to go to counseling or make other efforts to alleviate the issues you both already know you have, then you may have no choice but to forge ahead with the divorce.
2. Your Life Will Change in Many Ways
A stable relationship offers many benefits that you might take for granted, including emotional, social, and financial support. Beyond the informal advantages, tax laws and insurance rates are also more advantageous when married. Consider what life would be like without these advantages before you decide on a divorce.
3. What about the children?
Even though you and your spouse are divorcing, the children will not be. It is very important to keep divorce proceedings amicable and never speak badly of the other parent in front of the children. Do all you can to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent.
4. Financial stresses of a divorce
Divorces are expensive! Start thinking about how you are going to finance your divorce and how much it will cost. The process will be less stressful if you have that information early, so find a law firm that is upfront about the fees and costs associated with divorce.
5. Manage your expectations
No one ever truly “wins” a divorce. It is about compromise and knowing what you want. Make sure you speak with your attorney about how the law applies to your case, and what the outcome may be. If compromise, dissolving the marriage, and getting what you feel is necessary to move on afterward is your focus, consider seeking resolution through mediation. Visit our blog to learn more about the benefits of mediation.