How to Know If Your Marriage Is Over

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

“Should I leave or should I stay? What about the kids? What will my friends and family think if I leave? Is my marriage salvageable?” If these or similar thoughts have been running through your mind recently, you are probably in the arduous indecision stage of a struggling marriage. Trying to decide if a marriage is truly over or not is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. Only you can choose what is right for your situation, but experts do have some advice for those contemplating a divorce.

Ask Yourself These Questions

There is no one-size-fits-all checklist of dealbreakers in a marriage, and everyone’s circumstances are unique. However, asking yourself the following questions may help you decide if it is time to consider ending your marriage:

• Have you been completely honest with your spouse? Until everything is out in the open, no real solution to your marital problems can be found;
• Is your spouse willing to be completely honest with you? If your spouse is unwilling to be forthcoming about his or her needs, wants, intentions, or past behavior, you will never be able to come to a resolution. A spouse who is unwilling to be honest may be a sign that the marriage will not work over the long term;
• How is staying in the marriage affecting my children? Many people choose to stay together for the kids. Research shows that a child who grows up in a house with tension, contentiousness, and chaos may be negatively affected for years afterward. If your house is full of conflict, either overt or subtle, your children may be suffering more than you think;
• Are our current lifestyles and personalities compatible? Everyone changes and grows as they get older. Sometimes, a spouse evolves into a person who is very different from the one you married. If you and your spouse have clashing priorities or desires in life and no compromise can be reached, you may want to consider divorce; and
• Have we tried everything to save this marriage? Only when you exhaust every option for saving a marriage can you leave with no regrets.

When you have reached your breaking point and divorce becomes necessary, it is important to seek help from an experienced DuPage County family law attorney. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, we will assist you in exploring your available options and work with you in creating a happier, healthier future. Call 630-409-8184 for a confidential consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/07/divorce-questions_n_5659988.html

http://www.today.com/parents/should-you-stay-together-kids-2D80555153