Every marriage and relationship has ups and downs, but sometimes there are clear warning signs of divorce. Every spouse enters a marriage hoping for a long-lasting one, but anything could trouble the relationship. As of 2020, nearly half of all United States marriages ended in a divorce.
Many people can resolve conflicts with marriage counseling or a family therapist. Others, on the other hand, might think their issues can only be settled through divorce services, and some believe that no effort could fix their situation. If you fear your marriage may be in jeopardy, keep an eye out for these common signs of divorce.
What Is Divorce?
Divorce is the process through which a marriage is legally terminated by a court or another competent body. The spouses must sign legal papers provided by a local court to return to a single status. Once the procedure succeeds, both parties are no longer responsible for that marriage.
Ending a marriage affects people around you. Some children undergo emotional trauma during the breakup. Young kids, especially, have trouble understanding the problem their parents are facing. It can also affect your relationships with friends and other family members. Divorcing couples also often end up splitting their property and assets, so it is not a decision to be taken lightly.
Common Reasons Couples Divorce
Some warning signs are more apparent than others, depending on the dynamics of that particular relationship. Each partnership is different because of the challenges unique to them. One couple may have a wonderful relationship for decades but things could still turn sour. It could be a case of poor communication, change in quality of life, loss of love, or finding someone else.
No matter your reason for divorce, know that you are not alone. Common reasons people end their marriages include:
- Infidelity
- Money
- Lack of communication
- Lack of intimacy
These are not the only reasons that one spouse may file for divorce, but they are among the most universal. Know that yours is just as valid, too, no matter the reason for yours.
5 Common Divorce Warning Signs
Some couples may face extreme hardship during the course of their marriage. One spouse may feel like things are bad, but question whether it’s bad enough to consider parting ways forever. Most of the time, people outside of your marriage notice warning signs of divorce earlier than you. The key is to take a look at it from an outsider perspective.
Here are five key signs that divorce might be right for your relationship.
1. You Are Not Happy
Life is short, but it also has its ups and downs. You are likely still happy most of the time in relationships where everything isn’t always perfect, and an ability to disagree and come to a resolution is a sign of a healthy relationship.
Showing signs of true, lasting unhappiness is more often an indication that something may be wrong in your marriage. If your spouse has shut down, become hostile, or no longer spend quality time together with you, the time to part ways may be ahead.
2. Negative Interactions
Arguments are bound to happen in any relationship. Many couples quarrel over daily items, and something as simple as doing the dishes could spark a disagreement. Healthy couples may attempt to resolve issues while others don’t have the energy to do so.
Ask yourself how often you are having positive and negative interactions with your spouse. If the number of positive interactions does not vastly outweigh the negative interactions, that might be a red flag that your marriage is in distress. Displaying contempt for your husband or wife as if they were your opponent is a negative sign, for example.
3. Avoiding Your Partner
When people do not like each other, they tend to stay away from one another. If your spouse is finding reasons to avoid interactions with you, that could be a sign of divorce. A lot of partners begin stonewalling each other to avoid hearing criticism or the possibility of angering the other.
If you find yourself and/or your spouse partaking in this behavior, that is a red flag to part ways. This is equally as bad as having constant arguments.
4. You Live Like Roommates
Many couples go through ruts where they may lack physical intimacy or emotional intimacy. This can often lead to a feeling of being roommates instead of partners or spouses.
If you have started sleeping in different rooms or barely acknowledge each other’s presence, that is a serious red flag that you and your partner should consider uncontested divorce.
5. Your Priorities Have Changed
Over time, people change. That is to be expected and marriages are no different. A couple must remain aligned to its priorities and values for a smooth marriage. If your spouse prioritizes their career before you or the family, it can create an unhappy environment. Another common case is the perspective of having children. Many couples debate on whether or not they want any.
When you and your partner are not on the same page, you might either find a way to work it out or find a way to the divorce papers. Having similar values and morals decreases disagreements. You must see eye to eye with your spouse on things such as how to raise your children. Partners with polarizing viewpoints will have to compromise and make sacrifices that may eventually lead to resentment.
Speak With a Divorce Lawyer Today
If you see more than one of the above red flags existing in your relationship, it might be time to speak with a divorce lawyer who can help you understand what comes next. You and your partner may still love each other and you may not want to make the choice of divorce.
When you work with a compassionate divorce lawyer who understands what you are going through, you get peace of mind that you are making the right decision. While things may be hard right now, ignoring a red flag or a warning sign of divorce could lead to more hardship, not less.
To find out more and have all of your divorce questions answered, contact us today. We can help guide you through the divorce process and put your mind at ease.