According to the old cliche, marriage is bliss -- until it's not. In the United States alone, about 40% to 50% of married couples get divorced. On the day you said "I do," you vowed not to become a statistic for better or for worse.
However, if your marriage is more misery than it is bliss these days, it might mean more than the honeymoon's over. You might have to think about hiring a divorce lawyer. Here are three instances when this dreaded action warrants some serious thought.
1. You Fight More Than You Get Along
It's true, married couples argue sometimes. In fact, a couple that avoids all fights all the time may be in serious trouble. That being said, fighting all the time is a sure sign that your relationship could be toxic.
If you can no longer stand to be in the same room without fighting, it may be time to visit that law office you've been eyeing on your way to work. When a relationship hits a rough patch that lasts months or even years, there may be no way to put your differences behind. One last resort you can take to save your marriage is counseling. If seeing a couple's therapist does not help you communicate more civilly, the need for divorce lawyer services may be on the horizon.
Even with these tips, it's difficult to know if you're arguing too much. Here are some signs that your fights have turned toxic:
- You fight over little things
- You fight over the same things each time
- You criticize each other in hurtful ways
- Your fights turn violent
Of course, if your fights have turned violent, you should contact a
divorce lawyer
as well as a domestic violence shelter immediately.
All of the above are signs that you can no longer resolve your conflicts in a constructive and loving manner. In this case, a family law attorney can act as a sort of mediator, or they can advocate for your rights to property and children in the event of a divorce.
2. The Trust Is Gone From The Relationship
One of the most beautiful aspects of a marriage is the ability to trust each other implicitly. If there were issues within your marriage that broke you or your spouse's trust, there may be no way to make up the difference.
For instance, if your marriage is reeling from an infidelity, this kind of trust is hard to earn back. If you feel that your partner cannot get past your infidelity or vice versa, the kindest thing for you to do may be to let each other go. Perhaps you each can find new partners with whom you can start fresh. If you're aiming for an amicable split, the divorce lawyer services Houston TX has to offer can help you through this difficult time.
If your lack of trust seeps into your ability to parent, staying married may actually be hurting rather than helping your kids. Frequent fights about your children can cause little ones to believe that they're the problem.
A lack of trust in your co-parent may require you to seek out a quality child custody lawyer to represent your side in the case. If your custody case is born out of anger rather than necessity, rethink your strategy. Talk to your divorce lawyer about moving forward with a less dramatic divorce. If your spouse hurt you, but he or she is still a great parent, it's not fair to use your children as pawns.
3. You're More Like Roommates Than Lovers
Sometimes, a relationship runs its course for no reason. You and your spouse may have drifted apart as you grew into your own individual people. If you lost mutual attraction due to growing apart, it may sadly be time to call a divorce lawyer.
You may still be good friends, but that spark is no longer present. In this case, the kind (yet also hard) thing to do is to separate. More than 20% of first marriages end before the five-year mark, and a mutual loss of attraction may be to blame.
When you need a divorce attorney, be sure to work with the best in the area. Contact the Law Office of Arthur J. White III, P.C. today to learn more about how to proceed with a divorce.