7 Things To Consider Before Ending Your Marriage

Marriage is the legal union of two adults, two people who start a life together full of teams and aspirations. Sadly, people can end up in marriages that are not as happy as they want them to be.

On the surface, you and your partner seem to be doing well and show no obvious red flags. However, when you look deeper into your relationship, you may see that both of you are struggling.

Although you may not be able to pinpoint the exact moment when you fell out of love, you will know that something is wrong when you do not enjoy your partner’s company anymore. So when is it the right time to pull the plug on a marriage?

Here Are 7 Things to Consider Before You Pull the Plug on Marriage

1. Instruct the Right Divorce Lawyer

When it comes to divorce lawyers you have to ensure that you invest in the best. After all, you are investing in your future financial security and happiness. Your marriage is a sensitive and personal matter, so you will want to work with someone who understands your situation. The right lawyer will go out of their way to resolve any conflicts and address all issues upfront.

Whether you decide to stay together or get a divorce will ultimately depend on how you want to proceed with your life and if your partner is on the same page. Your lawyer should consider and discuss reconciliation with you at your first meeting unless it is obvious that reconciliation is not an option 

 2. Understand Your Finances 

Some of the most significant decisions you will make in your divorce are in relation to finances. With the help of your lawyer, you need to have a clear idea of what you and your partner’s financial situation is now and how the divorce will impact these.

Take the time with your lawyer and/or financial advisor to examine your income sources, expenses, assets, debts, inheritances and pension. 

 3. Understand your rights and responsibilities in relation to your children 

If you have children, then the divorce process will be more complicated. How the children spend their time with each of their parents is one of the first things you and your partner will have to agree on. Whilst there is no presumption of shared care there is a “presumption of parental involvement” The courts are to presume that, unless there is evidence to suggest otherwise, the involvement of both parents after separation is in the child's best interests.

It is always best to sit down with your partner and discuss the future of your children together before making any hasty decisions. You both have to see where you will live, who works more, and who can give the children more time while understanding how this will impact the lives of your children as well. 

4. Avoid Social Media

In a lot of divorce cases, social media becomes a nuisance and a hindrance. Couples who are parting ways should not vent their frustrations on the internet and put themselves in compromising situations. If you decide to use social media as an outlet, it may harm your credibility during any court proceedings

5. Staying put or moving out of the family home

During your divorce,& you will have to try and agree which one of you will be staying in the family home and who will be moving out. 

Issues you will need to consider include, but are not limited to, are your respective housing needs and those of your children, mortgage borrowing capacities, property values, location in respect of schools and local amenities etc. 

6. Have a Support System

Where possible assemble a good support network of discrete and trustworthy supportive people. Not only will you need the support of your friends and family you will also need good objective advice from professionals 

7. Take the High Road 

It is always better to avoid having bitter feelings or hostility towards your ex-partner. Taking the high road means that you stay vigilant and do not behave poorly towards them and especially so in front of your children. In doing so, you set a good example for your children and reduce the risk of any long term emotional harm when it comes to their self-worth and how they form their own emotional relationships later in life 

The ending of a marriage is never easy, and it does not come without some bitterness and remorse. But, even before you decide to pull the plug on marriage, consider the above tips and go into this new phase of life with a positive outlook. Remember that you shared good moments with your ex-partner.

It is best if you keep the essential things in mind, like your children and their future. Hopefully, with the help of the above guidelines, you can apply for divorce on good terms with your spouse.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

First Published on 3rd April 2021 at https://www.lifeschapters.co.uk/blog/7-things-to-consider-before-ending-your-marriage/