Deciding to divorce is challenging, especially if you have kids. You may feel conflicted about what’s best for everyone involved. Sometimes, though, ending the marriage is the healthiest choice.
Taking the next step can be extremely scary, from a personal and financial perspective. However, a well-known study published in 1997 details classic signs of divorce that remain relevant today.
Common causes of divorce
Spouses often try hard to keep their marriage together, but these signs can indicate that a marriage is beyond repair:
- Cheating/infidelity: Infidelity undermines trust and emotional security. It causes profound emotional pain and a sense of betrayal, making it hard to regain trust and recover the relationship.
- Spending money foolishly: Financial disagreements caused by irresponsible spending lead to resentment and stress. This reflects deeper issues of respect and communication.
- Drinking and/or drug use: Substance abuse strains a marriage by creating an unsafe environment and correlating with financial strain and emotional distance.
- Jealousy: Excessive jealousy fosters mistrust and controlling behaviors, suffocating intimacy and eroding emotional connections.
- Moodiness: Chronic mood swings create tension and unpredictability, leading to frequent conflicts and emotional distancing.
When any of these issues exist, other irritating behavior is usually amplified. Once a divorce is imminent, spouses often shift their focus to protecting their futures.
What is at stake during a divorce?
During a divorce, several critical issues come to the forefront:
- Child custody:
- Determining primary custody, visitation rights and decision-making authority for the child’s welfare
- Courts consider the child’s best interests to provide a stable and supportive environment
- Asset division:
- Dividing shared property, including real estate, savings, investments and personal belongings
- Ensuring an equitable distribution, which can become contentious if there is disagreement on what is fair
- Financial support:
- Spousal support provides financial stability to a lower-earning spouse
- Child support ensures the child’s needs are met
- Calculations depend on factors such as income, standard of living and the length of the marriage
Addressing these issues thoroughly ensures a fair outcome for both parties and their children.
Working towards a brighter future
Addressing these critical issues in an equitable manner is essential to beginning your new life in the best possible position. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these challenges and help achieve your goals, ensuring you and your family move toward a happier future.