Divorce is challenging and emotionally taxing, whether it’s been looming on the horizon for years or comes as a shock. When you’re facing the end of a marriage, it can be tempting to put off separating, especially if you have children, pets, or shared assets. However, sometimes the signs that you need a divorce are too obvious to ignore.
Unfortunately, divorce is not uncommon. In fact, 43% of first marriages end in divorce, while there are higher failure rates for second and third marriages.
While divorce is difficult for many reasons, working with an attorney can help you navigate the path ahead. However, most people don’t feel confident in their decision to file until a relationship has become volatile. If you’re contemplating separating from your spouse, below is a list of some things to watch for that may support your decision.
10 Reasons To File for Divorce
1. You’ve Been Thinking About Divorce or Separation
If you’ve been contemplating divorce for a while, it’s a strong indicator that your marriage is in trouble. Persistent thoughts about separation often reflect deep-seated issues that may not be easily resolved. Consulting with a divorce attorney in Rockford, IL, can help you understand what to expect if you decide to move forward.
2. Abuse
Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse in a marriage is a clear sign that you need professional legal help. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of filing for divorce in these situations and even secure protective orders if necessary. Domestic violence is one of the most serious grounds for divorce and having legal support is crucial.
3. Infidelity
Infidelity can permanently damage a marriage and is one of the top 10 reasons for divorce. If your spouse has had an extramarital affair, it may be a sign that the relationship is beyond repair. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the implications of infidelity on divorce proceedings.
4. Lack of Intimacy
A significant decrease in physical or emotional intimacy can indicate deeper issues in a relationship. If there is a persistent lack of intimacy, counseling may be the solution. Other times, there may be an underlying problem that leads to divorce.
5. Stubbornness/Lack of Compromise on Big Issues
Marriage requires compromise. If you and your spouse find it impossible to agree on important matters, it may be time to consider divorce.
6. Lack of Interest
It takes two to make a marriage work. When one or both spouses lose interest in maintaining the relationship, it’s often a sign that the marriage has run its course. A divorce lawyer can provide guidance on how to proceed, ensuring that your rights are protected as you navigate the end of your marriage.
7. Poor Communication
Healthy communication is essential for a strong, long-term relationship. If you can’t talk about important issues without fighting, your marriage might be in trouble.
In other cases, there may be a complete lack of communication when it comes to important topics and decisions. Not consulting each other and failing to make choices as a team can be a sign one or both partners have checked out of the relationship.
8. You’ve Repeatedly Tried To Repair Things
It may be time to consult a divorce attorney if you’ve made repeated attempts to fix your marriage and nothing seems to work. This might include marriage counseling, open communication, or other means.
9. You’re Staying for the Kids
Staying in an unhappy marriage solely for the sake of the children can lead to a toxic environment that affects everyone. If you’re only staying together because of the kids, it may be healthier for all parties to seek a divorce. A lawyer can help you understand your options for child custody and support.
10. You and Your Spouse Do Not Get Along
In many cases, the reason for hiring a divorce attorney is simply that you and your spouse don’t get along. If tensions are high and rational discussions seem impossible, it may be time to consider separating.
Do I Need a Lawyer To Get a Divorce in Illinois?
You can file for divorce without a lawyer, but it can be risky, especially in complicated situations. A lawyer can provide you with valuable knowledge regarding the legal system and the divorce process. Whether you’re facing a child custody dispute or need help managing the division of assets, an experienced attorney will protect your best interests.
4 Reasons To Hire a Divorce Attorney
1. There’s a Custody Dispute
Children are often at the center of divorce disputes, making legal representation crucial. While some couples can amicably work out custody arrangements, others find it difficult to remain civil. A divorce attorney can offer objective guidance to help resolve custody issues in a fair and unbiased manner.
2. There’s a Shared Business
If you and your spouse co-own a business, the divorce process can become significantly more complicated. The division of business assets requires careful consideration and, often, professional valuation. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and protect your financial interests.
3. Lack of Organization
Divorce involves a great deal of paperwork and financial documentation. If you or your spouse are disorganized, managing these details can become overwhelming. A divorce lawyer helps organize and file important documents, ensuring that all aspects of the divorce are handled properly.
4. Spousal Support
If you’re pursuing or disputing spousal support (sometimes referred to as alimony), you will want to hire a lawyer. A qualified attorney can assist you in negotiating or litigating the terms of this agreement.
Choose Crosby Law Firm
At Crosby Law Firm, we understand that divorce is one of the most challenging experiences you can go through. Our dedicated team helps clients in Rockford, IL, and the surrounding areas navigate the complexities of family law. With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys can handle everything from custody issues to estate matters.
You and your spouse may feel like you can manage the divorce process on your own. However, divorce is notoriously messy, and turning to a professional can eliminate a lot of stress. Sometimes, it’s not a matter of navigating disagreements and hostility. It can simply be about ensuring a fair outcome for both parties and addressing financial concerns legally.
Regardless of the reason for your divorce, you can rely on our firm to help you through this difficult time. Since 1980, we’ve been helping clients navigate all types of family law matters.
If you’re considering divorce, contact us for a free initial consultation. We’re committed to providing compassionate, professional legal support that will help you move forward with your life.
