Steps to Take Before Ending a Marriage

Relationships are hard work. They require time, commitment, and often luck to succeed, and not every relationship does. When you are a parent and have children, however, splitting up isn’t always the first or best solution. Before you and your partner decide that it’s time to call it quits, you need to make sure that there is no way to salvage your relationship. This guide will help walk you through the process of deciding whether ending your marriage is the best solution for you. If you two reconcile before you reach the divorce stage, your marriage is back on track! If you do divorce, try to make it as amicable as possible. 

Try to Figure Out What is Wrong

Whether you are angry or indifferent, or even betrayed, you owe it to yourself and to your partner to try to figure out what is wrong with your marriage. You were happy and in love at one point – what has changed? Sometimes all you need is to be open and honest with your partner to reconcile differences and move on together. If you aren’t listening to the other person, or if they aren’t listening to you, however, you’ll need extra help.

Optional: Marriage Counsellor

Going to a marriage counsellor can be expensive, which is why it’s not ideal for everyone. A marriage counsellor allows for open discussion. If you cannot or won’t go to a marriage counsellor to help air out your complaints and problems to work on getting to the root of the problem, it might be time to separate.

Separate

Separating is beneficial for a few reasons. For one, it allows couples to cool off for a while. It also allows each party member to see how they feel, and how they cope without their spouse. Have a set time for how long you two will be separated, and once this period is over you need to discuss. 

Discuss

Depending on the outcome of the separation, you two will have to discuss either one of two things. If the separation made you realize how important the other person is, it is time to revisit step two. If, however, the separation has made you realize how much happier you are without your spouse, it will be time to start discussing issues like visitation and finances.

Divorce

When you have decided to divorce, it is time to seek out professional services. Hire an attorney in your area, so, for instance, if you live in California contact a divorce lawyer in Fresno CA today. You will need an attorney regardless of whether the divorce is amicable or not. The more amicable, however, the better your children will be able to adapt and cope to their new circumstances.

Divorce is always a tricky business. For couples with children, however, there can be this pressure to stay together even if it makes you miserable. Instead of trying to stay together for the sake of your children or even for appearances, it’s better to seek a solution that works for you. Your children will benefit from two happier, separated parents than two miserable ones under the same roof.