Avoiding Divorce

It is a sad fact that approximately 40-50 percent of first marriages end in divorce. However, marriage ideals were developed during a time when people had shorter life expectancies than they do today. Marriage, at one time, was essential for survival, whereas now we have a longer amount of time spent with one person. Sometimes it is necessary to end a relationship even though you had taken a vow while at a different place in your life.

In some marriages, two partners who were once perfect for each other may begin to grow and mature at different rates. Due to their different growth curves, the couple can begin to drift apart, lacking the common interests and goals that had originally drawn them together in the first place.

If you have grown apart from your spouse, not all is lost. Avoiding divorce is possible, if you act quickly to salvage your marriage. One of the best options for a struggling relationship is to attend marriage counseling. During counseling, both you and your spouse will work to identify problems and create solutions.

Sometimes, after being married for so long, communication can break down between two spouses. Marriage counseling seeks to rebuild the communication. The counselor may help you develop the dialogue that has been missing in your relationship, allowing you to articulate your feelings and needs to your spouse.

Sometimes a couple has grown so far apart that neither side is willing to make a major change to appease the other. It is difficult for the person who does not want to change to accept that the marriage is over. If the other spouse has made a significant change, and is ready to move on, it is unlikely that avoiding divorce is possible. Again, counseling and support can assist you in accepting this reality and moving on to the next step.

Ending a marriage is a painful process. It is important to find an attorney who will handle your case with compassion and sensitivity, while making sure you are treated fairly. A good divorce lawyer will work hard to ensure your divorce agreement is beneficial to you, and will consult with you on matters involving division of assets, child custody, child support, and alimony.