Nobody ever gets married expecting to get a divorce; marriage is supposed to be forever. When it ends prematurely, it can be devastating to endure, especially if you have children. Everybody’s reasons for getting divorced are unique and personal. Everyone’s breaking point is different. In order to protect your own mental and emotional health, it is vital that you recognize the signs of an impending divorce. A St. Louis divorce lawyer can help you.
The legal team at Stange Law Firm understands how difficult it can be to go through a divorce. It can be hard to identify the signs of an impending divorce. You may even be reluctant to notice the signs. It’s understandable to feel that way. You may not want the divorce.
However, if you notice certain behaviors, you should consider reaching out to an experienced divorce lawyer for help in protecting yourself. You might need to prepare for a contentious legal battle ahead of you.
The Signs of an Impending Divorce
Divorce is not uncommon in Missouri. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it has one of the highest divorce rates in the entire country, at 2.7 per 1,000 people. Meanwhile, the marriage rate in the state exceeds 5.7 per 1,000 people, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. If you are struggling emotionally with your divorce, you may want to contact a local support group like The Ethical Society Divorce Support Group.
It’s important to note that divorce rarely comes out of nowhere. It tends to be the last resort of unhappy couples who have exhausted every other route to try and save the marriage. Other times, it is the inevitable result of years of resentment or an act of betrayal.
The decision to divorce is different for everyone. It’s vital to your continued health that you identify signs that your marriage is in jeopardy. You may know your spouse better than anyone. Identifying these signs can be difficult, but necessary:
- Communication Problems: One of the most important foundational elements of a good marriage is communication. If you have a problem with something your spouse has said or done, you need to address it honestly before it starts to fester into something worse. If you are suddenly unable to communicate effectively with your partner, that may be a sign of worse things to come for your marriage.
- Trust Issues: Without trust, you can’t have much else in a relationship. If something starts to erode your trust in your partner, you need to address it quickly before it causes your entire relationship to suffer. If you start to feel like your spouse is keeping secrets or hiding something from you, that may be the end of trust, even if it turns out they’re not. The very fact that you thought they were hiding something could prove that you don’t trust your partner anymore.
- Intimacy Problems: In many marriages, it is important to cultivate a healthy and consistent sex life. If one day, you no longer find yourself attracted to your partner or you believe your partner is no longer attracted to you, that can be the start of serious issues involving communication and trust. Your intimacy needs can change over time. It’s important that you address these changes with your spouse as they arise, or else your marriage could suffer.
- Constant Fighting: Every couple fights; however, some fight more than others. If you feel like you and your spouse are constantly fighting, it could be a sign of larger problems in your relationship that need to be addressed. You may want to consider counseling, particularly if you have children.
FAQs
Q: What Is a Sure Sign That My Marriage Is Over?
A: There is no easy way to answer that. Everyone’s marriage is different, which means that everyone’s marital problems are different, too. What may be a dealbreaker for you may be something another couple can work through. The signs are always different.
Generally, communication problems are a universal issue that most divorcing couples will go through at some point. If you are struggling to communicate with your partner, that could be a sign of an impending divorce.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for My Divorce in Missouri?
A: No, you do not technically need a lawyer for your divorce in Missouri, especially if your divorce is uncontested. If you know what you need and are ready to handle it on your own, you can do so. If your divorce is contested, and you feel like you are floundering, you should consider hiring a lawyer to help facilitate your divorce and make it easier on you, your kids, and your finances.
Q: How Can I Restore Trust in My Marriage?
A: Unfortunately, trust is one of those things that is not easily repairable. Once it is broken, it may be all but nonexistent in your relationship. It may be more effective to simply move on and put the past behind you. However, every marriage is different, and every couple’s goals are also going to be different. If you can work to restore trust, you should consider pursuing it. Couples counseling may be beneficial in repairing the foundation of your marriage.
Q: Why Is Communication Important?
A: Communication is important because it gives both spouses the chance to resolve their issues before they get out of hand or grow into larger problems. Addressing a grievance can be difficult, but the subsequent conversation may be cheaper and less hostile than a divorce. Maintaining healthy communication and boundaries is vital in a healthy relationship. If you start developing communication problems, you should consider seeing a therapist or a divorce lawyer.
Reach Out to an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Today
Going through a divorce can be one of the most painful moments of your life, especially if you have not prepared yourself for it. There may be many signs in your relationship that things are not getting better. If you can recognize these signs, your divorce may be easier for you.
The legal team at Stange Law Firm understands how important the help of a good divorce lawyer can be for your case. We are prepared to help you put together a strong case and represent your interests throughout. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about your case.
