Most people don’t go into a marriage with the thought that divorce will be on the horizon, but the unfortunate truth is that it happens more often than people would like. There are a number of reasons for divorce, from infidelity to people simply growing apart from each other. If you are going through a difficult time and trying to decide your next move, it may help to understand some of the signs that it is time to file for divorce.
1. You Are in an Abusive Situation
Most people automatically think of hitting or other physical violence when it comes to abuse, but the truth is there are many types of abuse that could lead to the need for a top Tennessee divorce attorney. Do you feel that your partner manipulates you or coerces you into doing things that you don’t want to do? Are you constantly walking on eggshells to ensure that you don’t upset your partner? Do you have any access to finances or does your partner control them all? These are just some examples of potentially abusive situations. Look within yourself and ask hard questions to determine if this might be the case.
2. There Is No More Intimacy
While not all relationships are sexual in nature, even in marriage, there generally needs to be some type of intimacy for the marriage to be sustainable. Experts agree that a lack of intimacy is often a sign that a divorce is on the horizon. If you and your partner used to be sexually intimate regularly, are you still? Even if there is no sex, are there other types of intimacy? Consider whether you kiss, hug, cuddle, or simply spend time talking and enjoying each other’s presence to determine if this may be a sign of divorce in your relationship.
3. You Want Different Things in Life
People grow and change throughout their lives, and sometimes that means the common goals you once had with your spouse are no more. Perhaps you’re ready to have children and your spouse has decided he or she isn’t sure about parenthood. Maybe you’d love to travel the world, but your partner prefers to stick close to home. Maybe your political alignments or religious alignments no longer work well together. Whatever the reason for growing apart, wanting different things out of life is a major sign that divorce might be the best option for both of you.
4. You Don’t Feel Your Spouse Is Making an Effort
The old saying goes that a relationship is 50/50, but the reality is that both people need to put in 100% for a relationship to continue to thrive. While it is normal for a marriage to ebb and flow, it’s not normal for one partner to stop putting in any effort at all. Maybe you need your spouse to help out around the house more or to spend more quality time with you. No matter what your discussions have been about, there needs to be active participation (and in some cases, change) for a relationship to work. If your spouse isn’t matching your energy, it may be time to move on.
Deciding to get a divorce is no easy task, but with the help of a professional attorney, you can work to navigate the process with as much compassion and dignity as possible.
