Can My Marriage Be Saved?
All married couples occasionally go through hard patches in their relationship. These may be a simple bump in the road or they could be an indicator that one of the parties will eventually file for divorce. How can you tell the difference? Our Fort Lauderdale divorce attorneys outline some of the qualities a marriage needs to succeed, deal-breakers you should not ignore, and steps to protect yourself during the process.
Dealing With Problems In Your Relationship and Potential Dealbreakers
Similar to getting married, divorce is a major life decision and one you do not want to rush into. It has the potential to impact your relationships with others and your financial security for years into the future. Before taking action, it is important to adequately assess the issues you are facing.
It is common for couples to fight about money, lifestyles, family obligations, and how to raise children. The American Psychological Association (APA) advises that there are factors that determine how likely a couple is to successfully resolve these and other issues. These include:
- The ability to communicate: This involves sharing your thoughts and feelings as well as taking in what your partner has to say.
- The ability to compromise: This involves being flexible and willing to make certain concessions rather than insisting on your own way.
- The ability to admit when you are wrong and to forgive: We all make mistakes. Owning up to yours and forgiving your partner is vital to a successful relationship.
- The ability to give each other time: Patience with yourself and in allowing your partner to sort out their feelings can help you overcome troubled times together.
While these qualities can help you overcome problems in your marriage, there are certain things that are a deal-breaker. Criminal activity and acts of violence or domestic abuse should not be tolerated. Your safety needs to come first. Marital misconduct, including alcohol or drug abuse and adultery, may be overcome but the at-fault party has to be willing to change.
Protecting Yourself While Resolving Issues in Your Marriage
Your safety and emotional well-being is the top priority. If problems in your marriage are acute, a separation may be needed. During this time, the Florida Statutes give you the right to request spousal support and to create parenting plans for children of your relationship. If you decide to remain with your spouse, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Keep an eye on the family finances. It is not uncommon for a spouse to drain accounts in anticipation of a divorce.
- Make a list of all assets. This includes personal property, real estate, savings, and retirement accounts.
- Get counseling: Individual or joint marital counseling can help you resolve important issues.
- Consider a post-marital agreement: This protects you in the event divorce becomes a reality.
Let Us Help You Today
Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Vanessa L. Prieto provides the trusted legal guidance you need to protect yourself while working on problems in your marriage. Contact our office to request a confidential consultation today.
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