If there is trouble on the home front, you may have received some advice, sometimes solicited, sometimes not, from concerned friends and family. But of course, only you can decide if it's right to end your marriage. So, should you or shouldn't you?
Did one of you cheat? Is your spouse lying about money or an addiction? Is your spouse controlling, are they belittling you, or are they abusive to you or your children? Or, did you and your spouse change after marriage and have you simply grown apart?
Often, couples manage to get past an affair or their marriage mends itself after one spouse recovers from an addiction. But, when the core issue is a verbally or physically abusive spouse, usually the best thing to do is file for divorce, especially when the abuse is physical.
We can't stress this enough.
What if your marriage isn't terrible?
What if you are married to a good person, but you have nothing in common? You're like two ships sailing in the night, practically living separate lives. You have love for one another, but you're not "in love" with each other.
If this describes your relationship, filing for divorce may feel selfish, but that's not necessarily the case. You are both entitled to happiness, and sometimes that means saying goodbye and finding someone who shares the same interests, lifestyle and passions as you – and that's okay.
If you can accept the following aspects of divorce, it may be the best decision for you:
- You can have an amicable divorce.
- You and your spouse can remain friends.
- Divorce mediation can help you sort things out in a friendly atmosphere.
- The divorce will probably affect you physically, but you will get over it.
- You both deserve a chance to be happy.
- You don't have to stay married if you're unhappy.
- One day, the marriage will be something that you "did."
Sometimes, deciding to actually go through with the divorce is the hardest part, but you will get past that and one day it will be a distant memory. Of course, no one can tell you to get divorced, that's a decision that only you can make. In your heart, what do you really want to do? Do you want to stay, or do you want to go?
If you decide that divorce is your best option (for reasons only you can explain), reach out to the Los Angeles divorce lawyers at Claery & Hammond, LLP. In a free consultation, we can answer your questions and help guide you in the right direction.