When walking down the aisle, most people hope for a “happily ever after” ending. But life’s sad reality often lacks the luster of a fairy tale ending. From quarrels to infidelity or realizing that you married a bit too young, there are plenty of reasons you may desire a divorce from your formerly beloved.
Whatever your reasons, a divorce lawyer can help you go through the process more easily and assist you in working through the issue, regardless of whether it concerns child custody or joint property.
Our Jacksonville divorce lawyer at Griffin Family Law can assist you if you are ready to take the next step and file for divorce. Once you choose us, you do not have to struggle through the courtroom jargon and spend nights reading through your case reports. But, before you get to that stage, you need to be quite certain that a divorce is what you want. We strongly suggest that you take the time to ask yourself and if at all feasible, your spouse the following nine questions regarding your marriage.
Questions to Ask Before Starting a Divorce
1. What Are Your Reasons?
When you consider divorce, the main question you need to ask yourself is, “Why?”. Do you have tangible reasons to end the years together and toss your vows? Or are you clinging to excuses that will have you looking back remorsefully? If the factors contributing to your divorce are trivial or bizarre, you may want to consider getting practical solutions rather than ending the marriage.
However, if you believe your reasons will not allow you to live a happy, healthy life, perhaps divorce is inevitable. For instance, if you are in an abusive marriage or your partner is narcissistic, then your chances for happiness in that union are pretty low.
2. Have You Communicated Your Reasons?
When marriages begin to crumble, it is likely that one or both of the partners is not openly communicating their needs and expectations. So, before you call it quits, have you expressed your concerns? If you have silently endured the issues, perhaps your spouse does not know how they impact you.
It would pay to sit together and chart a way forward, let them know how you feel about their shortcomings, and see if there is anything they can do to change and be a better person for the sake of your family.
3. Is That the Only Option?
Although it may seem like it, divorce is not the only option for a rocky marriage. Sometimes all you need is a little time away from each other to get perspective. Have you tried counseling or mediation? With a great third party to walk you through the tough questions and help sort through your feelings, you may be able to save your marriage.
If things are a bit tougher and counseling does not work, you may want to explore separation to see if you want a divorce.
4. Are You Willing to Try A Bit Harder?
Letting go can be quite a nightmare if you are still in love with your spouse. So, before leaving, you need to decide whether you are willing to fight a little harder for your marriage. Are there things you are willing to compromise for your “forever union?” If so, then you may want to refrain from filing for divorce. However, it would be best to have your spouse’s opinion in mind as you make that decision. No matter how much you are willing to try, it will be futile if your spouse is hell-bent on leaving.
5. How Will It Impact the Children?
There are two sides to the divorce coin where your children are involved. The divorce may affect them positively or negatively. Children are highly sensitive to the energy around them. They can feel the hostility between their parents. For older children, it is easy for them to blame themselves for all the rocky patches in their relationships. So if yours is not an amiable marriage, it may be better for the kids if you just split.
You may also want to consider the terms of custody. Who will get the kids? How will the children feel about that new arrangement? Once you answer all the relevant questions about the children, you can make an informed decision.
6. What Are the Financial Implications?
If you’re both employed, you need to think of how to manage to live on a single income. You also need to consider the cost of hiring a divorce lawyer and how you will balance the new financial responsibilities once you ask for a divorce.
Fortunately, with a little planning, your finances will be the least stressful part of your divorce process.
7. How Can You Protect Your Assets?
The Florida Statutes advocate for equitable distribution of assets during a divorce. But this may be a huge setback if you do not act smart. Before filing for a divorce, be sure to safeguard your assets. Find all the relevant documents and bank statements that will clearly show your assets from your marital assets.
One thing you will want to avoid is selling off your assets before the divorce is final. You stand a better chance of securing assets if they are still in your name. Safeguarding your assets in a divorce is one of the hardest things to do. But you do not have to do it alone if you hire a great divorce lawyer to guide you through.
8. What Will Life Be Like Without Them?
Before calling your divorce lawyer or even seeking a divorce from your spouse, you should take some time to consider what your life would be without them. When picturing a future without them, do you see yourself happy and relieved or in more pain than you currently are?
If you feel undecided about it, it will not hurt to take some more time to explore your feelings and what options may work best for you, your spouse, and your children.
9. Will You Regret It?
Every divorce lawyer has met their fair share of rueful divorce clients. In most cases, the client acted rashly and went through with their divorce before they were fully decided. Divorces can be painful, and once you ask for a divorce, going back is rarely an option. So think through your decision before you act on it. Do you still love your partner? Is there hope for a future together? If there is, you may want to rethink your choice for a divorce.
We Are Here for You When You Are Ready!
Despite being a law firm that focuses in divorce, Griffin Family Law also believes in the power of love. This is why we advise our clients to exhaust all possibilities before calling it quits on their union. However, if you’ve tried everything and you still do not want to be a part of a volatile marriage, don’t search any further.
Our Jacksonville divorce lawyer will be by your side every step of the way as you go through the divorce process. With a skilled family law attorney on your side, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands. Schedule a consultation today!
