While the national divorce rate still overs around 50 percent, there are times throughout the year when divorces are more likely to occur. In recent years, January has earned the unofficial title of “Divorce Month,” as many couples decide to go their separate ways once the holidays are over. If you and your spouse are finding that divorce is on the table, it’s helpful to ask yourselves several key questions before you begin the process. Let’s take a look at some clear indicators that a divorce may be the best option for you as the new year begins.
Indicator #1: You Don’t Connect Anymore
In the excitement and chaos of the holidays, it’s easy to become distracted from your relationship as you entertain family members, create special memories for your children, connect with friends, attend holiday parties, and engage in other social events. However, once the buzz has died down and reality settles back in, you may find that you don’t have anything to say to your spouse. You may feel the tendency or need to retreat from each other, or you may find yourselves turning to your siblings, parents, or friends for conversation instead of your spouse. If you find yourselves adrift and unconnected, you may decide to explore the possibility of getting a divorce.
Indicator #2: You Have Different or Conflicting Priorities
Entering into marriage is often an exciting endeavor, and newlywed couples often share visions of how their shared future will unfold. Unfortunately, external pressures or other life events may get in the way of allowing you to build this ideal future, and you may find yourself feeling disillusioned, bored, or unfulfilled. Perhaps your spouse pursued a career opportunity that required you to forfeit your own career, or you followed your spouse to a new location, leaving your friends and family behind. Or, maybe your spouse enjoyed being the breadwinner for so many years, but now feels disconnected from you and the children. For many divorcing couples, feelings of resentment or differing priorities causes them to end their marriage and pursue their independent passions.
Indicator #3: You Argue Often About Money
Financial issues or differing philosophies about spending and saving habits is a common reason for pursuing a divorce. It seems that the month of January in particular—as credit cards roll in after expensive holiday purchases were made the month before—leads to tense and combative conversations about money. Sometimes, having an open and honest discussion about your financial values and goals can ultimately strengthen your marital bond, but in other cases, it may lead to the realization that you would both be better off on your own.
As the new year begins, you may find that it’s time for you to begin a new chapter in your life. Contact the skilled and experienced divorce and family law attorneys at Garretson & Holcomb, LLC today to learn more about the ways we can support you as you build a new future for yourself. Call (513) 863-6600 to get started.
