Married life typically includes relationship ups and downs. No two people can reasonably expect to spend a lifetime together without ever disagreeing or feeling at odds with each other. Some couples, especially those who have been together for two or more decades, learn to “read” one another to recognize signs of trouble. Many have helpful habits they employ when obstacles arise, which often help them air their differences and restore peace in their married lives.
If you’re in another category, the one where one or both spouses are thinking relationship restoration is no longer possible, you’re definitely not alone in your struggle. In fact, by year’s end, hundreds, if not thousands, of Ohio couples will file for divorce. In such situations, it’s critical that you understand your rights and know how to protect your and your children’s (if you’re a parent) best interests.
Warning signs
A marital relationship can go through several different phases, sometimes all within a month’s time or less. The following list includes issues that often repeatedly occur just before a spouse decides to end his or her marital relationship:
- When you and your spouse have a spat, do one or both of you tend to mention divorce? If so, things might be heading in that direction.
- Perhaps you’ve been trying to get your spouse to attend marriage counseling but he or she refuses. Many divorced couples say this was a final straw in their relationships.
- If your children are often upset or stressed because they’re constantly exposed to parental conflict, it’s understandable that you’d want to explore other options.
- Many spouses say they simply knew it was time to move on. They no longer had a desire to fight for their marriages.
There’s no way to predict which marriages will last and which will end in court. Any number of factors, including religious beliefs, moral convictions, extended family influence and other issues can play a role in determining whether a couple sticks it out or goes their separate ways.
You don’t have to go it alone
Divorce often sparks feelings of loneliness or isolation, even if you’re the one who filed the initial documents in court. Building a strong support network from the start can help you and your kids come to terms with your situation and move on in life in as positive a manner as possible. It’s up to you what types of resources you incorporate into your support plan. Many spouses include trusted friends or family members, licensed counselors, faith leaders and experienced family law attorneys.
