Let’s face it, marriage is hard and not all marriages work.

Divorce is a major life event, and the impact of this process can reach much further than just two separating spouses. Children can often feel the greatest impact during the separation of their parents. Extended family and friends can also be affected by your decision to get a divorce.

For couples who are unhappy in their marriages, couples therapy, marriage counseling, and mediation are great options. These tried-and-true methods can be extremely effective in helping to improve relationships and save your marriage. However, if you’ve already done these things and your marriage is still struggling, it’s time to consider the alternatives.

How to Tell if You are Ready to Get a Divorce

The decision to get a divorce is a big one and should not be made in haste. Some spouses just know when it’s time for a divorce, while others aren’t so sure when it may be time to let go and move on. To help you better understand if you’re ready for a divorce, we’ve compiled this list of important questions you should be asking and signs you can look for in your relationship.

This is when it’s important to ask yourself some important questions to determine if you are truly ready to get a divorce. If you divorce, you must separate your lives on every level: legally, practically, physically, and emotionally. Here are a few things you should ask yourself:

1. Do you still have feelings for your spouse?– Most couples who are considering divorce still have strong feelings for one other. It may be best to try working on the relationship before choosing to walk away. Otherwise, these strong feelings may lead to an overwhelming feeling of loss after your divorce that can leave you worse off than you are now.
2. Are you really ready to get a divorce or just caught in the heat of the moment?– It’s easy to throw the “D” word around during a heated argument out of anger or frustration. Other times, the threat of divorce may be used to gain control or power in the relationship.
3. Are you ready for the consequences of divorce?– It’s important to be prepared for the far-reaching impacts and consequences of divorce. Are you prepared to make changes to your finances, lifestyle, and traditions? Can you cope with the sadness and anger that your children, family, and friends can experience? Are you ready to completely let go of your spouse spiritually, emotionally, and mentally?

Common Signs of Trouble in a Marriage

If you’ve considered all the consequences that a divorce may bring to you and your family, it’s time to take a closer look at the relationship between you and your spouse.

Here are some of the most common tell-tale signs you can look for to determine if divorce may be right for you.

• Arguments suddenly stop
• Spending more and more time apart
• Lack of empathy or not caring about future plans together
• New-found focus on appearances including plastic surgery, new wardrobe, and major weight-loss
• Sudden secrecy with phone calls, text messages, mail or e-mails
• Sudden change in or stop to intimacy

If you recognize warning signs that your marriage may be in jeopardy, there are options. It’s important to work together in a respectful manner to look at your issues and make a well-informed, well-thought-out decision regarding your future.

If you think you are ready to get a divorce or want to learn more about your options, contact a BestLegalChoices.com professional today.