It’s that time of year. January has unofficially been dubbed “Divorce Month” due to the high number of divorces that are filed in comparison to other months. So, if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to have a fresh start, now is the time to consider meeting with an attorney.

Take a look at some of the reasons many couples divorce below. Do any of them ring true in your marriage?

Communication:
This involves either the inability to discuss issues in your marriage or a complete breakdown in communication where you quit communicating altogether.

Expectations Aren’t Met:
We all have expectations of what our spouse will be like, but often, those expectations aren’t fulfilled. When the aspirations people have for their marriage don’t pan out, they can become extremely unhappy and focused on the negative aspects of their partner.

Children:
Many times, bringing children into a marriage brings along a whole new set of differences. Parents may disagree on disciplinary or reward tactics. One parent may resent the other for not contributing enough. Issues of emotional or physical abuse may exist.

Mental Health:
Substance abuse, depression, and other mental illnesses can certainly take a toll on a marriage. Individuals struggling with any of these should seek the help of a professional.

Infidelity:
Infidelity, whether physical or emotional, is an increasing problem in today’s world. While some couples try to salvage marriage after one party has been unfaithful, sometimes the trust simply can’t be rebuilt.

Money:
Money is one of the most common topics in heated martial debates. Overspending and debt can cause extra strain on the marriage. Opposing financial priorities and financial infidelity are also areas that can be detrimental to a marriage.

Outside Influence:
Often differences in individual families and how you were raised can cause conflict in your marriage. Opinions from friends and family about your spouse can also weigh heavily on your mind, making you focus on the negative aspects of your marriage.

Marriage Should Never Feel Impossible

You likely have one of these areas that could be considered a point of conflict in your marriage. Marriage isn’t easy, but it shouldn’t feel impossible. It requires both parties being committed to making it a success. At Burton Law, we highly recommend attempting marriage counseling with a professional before seeking the help of an attorney.

If the counseling is unsuccessful, you will have peace of mind knowing you made every attempt to make your marriage succeed. In the event you make the decision to divorce, it’s a good idea to continue individual counseling to ensure you stay emotionally healthy and maintain a level head throughout the divorce process.

If you decide you are the only one contributing to your marriage and that divorce is inevitable, it may be time to talk to an attorney.

The moment you make the decision that your marriage is over can be an overwhelming one. You may feel uneasy not knowing what to expect. The right attorney can put your mind at ease. They will answer your questions and give you an idea of what you expect in the divorce process. When selecting an attorney, consider their expertise. Are they handling family law matters along with a slew of 10 other areas of law?

At Burton Law, we have chosen to focus solely on family law. We know you need someone in your corner who knows the law and can look out for your best interest. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our family law focused attorneys.