Deciding to file for a divorce is one of the most impactful decisions that you will make in your life. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Many people who are unhappy in their marriage spend months or even years dwelling over the possibility of divorce before taking action. It’s important to weigh the struggles in your marriage with the benefits of being a family unit before taking action.
There are likely to be many reasons why you are hesitant to file for a divorce, even when times are tough. You may not want your child to grow up in a broken home, for example. Likely, you are also concerned about the way in which a divorce could affect you financially. The following are some key things to consider when deciding whether to file for a divorce.
Is there potential to work through the issues in your marriage?
Every marriage goes through ups and downs. Having issues in a marriage does not necessarily mean that you should file for a divorce. Consider whether there is potential to work through your issues. For example, if you and your spouse feel emotionally distant at the moment because of hectic schedules, this could be solved by making time for each other and practicing more effective communication. However, if your spouse has seriously breached your trust, you may feel strongly that there is no way that you will be able to move past this.
Can you take care of yourself financially?
It’s advisable that you will be able to take care of yourself financially before filing for a divorce. If you are not currently employed and rely on your spouse’s income, you may run into financial challenges and have to settle for a lower quality of life. However, you will likely be entitled to child support and alimony for a certain amount of time. Looking into the likely outcome of a divorce, in your unique situation, is a good idea and then you will be able to proceed with confidence.
Marriage therapy and counseling can be beneficial for many couples who are struggling in their marriage. You may also want to look into your possibilities for initiating a divorce in Colorado.
