If your marriage is on the rocks, it can be challenging to know whether you should devote your efforts to saving it – or whether it is beyond saving and you should file for divorce. It’s a huge, life-altering decision to make. While some marriages can be saved through couples therapy and working on your issues, others either cannot be saved or are not worth the effort to even try to save.
If you’re considering getting a divorce, it’s good to know the pros and cons of such a huge decision. Divorce may not be right for you – or it could be the very thing that sets you free and allows you to reclaim your life. It’s important to take your time when considering divorce, and if you are serious about it, to seek the consult of a divorce attorney sooner rather than later to ensure that the process is as painless as possible.
Pros Of Getting A Divorce
#1. You Can Get Out Of A Toxic Relationship
Whether your marriage is bad because of abuse or because you simply are not right for each other, divorce gives you the chance to set yourself free.
#2. You Can Be Happier
If your marriage is destroying your happiness and it feels like it’s not worth the effort to fix it, getting a divorce can restore your happiness.
#3. You Can Enjoy Freedom
When you’re married, you have to communicate with your spouse and the things you can do can be limited by them. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to move, but you’re stuck in this city you hate because your spouse doesn’t want to move. Getting a divorce gives you the freedom to do what you want with your life.
#4. Your Money Is Your Own
No more arguing with your spouse about money or their financial habits or having to worry about their debts. Your money is yours to do what you want with. This can also be a con of getting a divorce, because your money is yours and you have to deal with your own financial situations. But for many, this part of getting a divorce can be quite a relief.
#5. You Can Date New People
Some people have open marriages, but most people prefer monogamy. If you no longer love your spouse, getting a divorce allows you to date new people and potentially find a better fit.
#6. You Can Reconnect With People
Be it friends, family, or children, your spouse and your tenuous relationship may be impacting other relationships in your life. Getting a divorce may help improve relationships by taking away some tension (or a controlling partner) and allowing you to focus on other people.
Cons Of Getting A Divorce
While there are many pros to getting a divorce, there are cons too. Prior to getting a divorce, you should ensure that this is something you truly want and that you’ve tried everything you can to save your marriage. You don’t want to get a divorce and end up regretting it, after all.
#1. Divorce Is Expensive
This is especially true in the case of contested divorces. Divorces can cost thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. This can make it very difficult for some people to be able to afford divorce.
#2. Friends And Family Picking Sides
As great as it would be for your loved ones to all be on your side, this isn’t always the case. Getting a divorce can result in tension outside of your marriage as friends and family take your spouse’s side over your own.
#3. You Have To Figure Out Life On Your Own
Getting a divorce often involves many life changes, from finding a new place to live to managing finances on your own and more. This can be very stressful and difficult, even if you have friends and family helping you out.
#4. Your Money Is Your Own
As mentioned before, while your money being your own can be a pro to getting a divorce, it can also be a significant con if you make significantly less than your spouse or if you have a lot of debts.
#5. You Are Alone
While getting a divorce frees you up to be able to date other people, many people often find it hard to adjust to doing things on their own. Even if you didn’t like your spouse and your marriage was bad, it can be challenging and lonely to come home to an empty house. However, this is not always the case. Many people find it a massive relief and freedom to no longer have their spouse around after getting a divorce.
#6. You Have To Figure Out Custody
If you and your spouse have children, custody arrangements are a very challenging part of getting a divorce. The court generally has the children’s best interest at heart, but having to keep your ex in your life for your children’s sake can be the opposite of what you want.
Further Reading About Divorce
Still on the fence about getting a divorce? It’s a huge decision, so take as much time as you need before pursuing any sort of action. If you would like to read more about divorce and what happens in certain divorce cases, check out our previous blogs on the subject.
- The Top 5 Reasons For Divorce
- Should You Get A Divorce? 7 Warning Signs To Watch Out For
- Infidelity In A Divorce Case: 7 Important Questions Answered
- What Happens In A Divorce With Domestic Violence?
- Codependency And Settling For Less In A Divorce Case: What You Need To Know
- How To Move With Kids After A Divorce
Are You Ready To Get A Divorce?
Contact the divorce attorneys here at Kaufman, Nichols, and Kaufman sooner rather than later. We are here to ensure that you are fairly represented throughout the process so that it goes as smoothly as possible. Whether it’s a contested or uncontested divorce or there are complications like trying to figure out custody, our experienced attorneys are here for you.