When you get married, it’s understandable to expect your marriage is going to last forever. After all, no good marriage is supposed to end in a divorce. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Every marriage is different, and yours might end sooner than you’d hoped. As a father, it’s important to recognize certain signs of an impending divorce. Realizing a divorce is coming can help you prepare your kids for it. A Kansas divorce lawyer can help you make a plan.

There are many possible signs that a divorce is on the horizon. Married parents may be far more reluctant to pursue a divorce at the risk of breaking up their family unit. Depending on the situation, a divorce may be far more beneficial to your children’s well-being than staying together. You may want to consider how your fractured relationship is impacting your kids. Separating your lives may be good for everyone involved.

Potential Signs of an Impending Divorce

According to information collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Kansas has one of the lowest divorce rates in the entire country, at 1.9 per 1,000 residents. Additionally, the marriage rate in the state hovers around 5.3 per 1,000 residents, according to data gathered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Even if you are pursuing a divorce, the whole experience can be difficult for you. Speaking with a local divorce support group, like a chapter of DivorceCare, can be beneficial, especially if there are people who’ve been through something similar.

It’s never easy to accept that your marriage is ending. If you are a father, you may want to refocus your energy on preserving your kids’ welfare during this trying time. If your divorce grows contentious, your partner may try to manipulate your kids against you using parental alienation techniques like bribery, threats, intimidation, or outright lies. The last thing you want is for your spouse to turn your kids into weapons.

Here are some signs that your marriage may be ending:

  • Constant fighting: All couples fight at one time or another. It can be a sign of a healthy relationship. However, if you find yourself constantly fighting over trivial matters and never resolving anything, that may be a sign that your marriage is on rocky ground. If you find yourself unable to have a calm, rational conversation about your issues with your spouse, you may want to consider reaching out to a divorce lawyer.
  • Lack of trust: There are many ways that trust can be broken in a marriage. Infidelity can shatter trust, as can abuse, drug problems, or even financial incompatibility. You may be hoping you can rebuild trust for the sake of your kids, who may be more affected by your situation than you know. Unfortunately, trust is one thing that can be impossible to restore once it’s gone.
  • No quality time: Finding quality time as a parent can be very difficult. Still, you should never lose sight of the fact that while you both may be parents and spouses, you are also individuals with your own wants and desires. Take some time to remind yourselves why you fell in love in the first place. Quality time can strengthen your partnership. A lack of quality time can drive you further apart.
  • Communication issues: Communication is one of the foundations of a healthy relationship, especially in a marriage. If you are not able to communicate effectively with your spouse, it may mark the beginning of the end of your marriage. Try to sit down and discuss the issues in your relationship. If you can’t, your next call may be to a divorce lawyer so you can decide how you would like to proceed.

FAQs

Q: Should I Get Divorced for the Sake of My Kids?

A: You are the only one who can answer that. You know if your marriage is having problems, and you know whether or not those problems are things you can come back from. Consider what’s right for your kids. Growing up in a home where the parents stayed together but openly resented each other can cause more harm than growing up with divorced parents. You should do right by yourself, but you must also consider what’s right for your kids.

Q: Can a Divorce Lawyer Help My Situation?

A: Yes, a divorce lawyer can help your situation. Getting divorced can be a stressful experience, especially when handling it on your own. Regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, the whole process can be emotionally draining and legally confusing. Having the right divorce lawyer by your side can be a significant help throughout your entire case. They can help you make a plan, protect your interests, and prevent you from being taken advantage of.

Q: Can I Restore Trust in My Marriage?

A: That really depends on a number of important factors. Once trust has been lost in a relationship, it can be next to impossible to get it back. Everyone has their own boundaries when it comes to trust. If your spouse has violated your boundaries, you may lose your trust, as well as faith and love. At that point, your only option may be to pursue a divorce. However, both partners may be committed to rebuilding.

Q: Should I Tell My Kids About the Divorce?

A: It’s up to you to decide if you want to tell your kids about the divorce. Kids are often perceptive, and they may already be far more aware of what’s going on than you think. However, depending on the events that led to your divorce, your kids may not have the emotional maturity to reconcile with everything. Only you can decide how honest you should be with your kids. Keep in mind that this divorce will affect them, too.

Contact a Lawyer

At Stange Law Firm, we can help you figure out what to do about your divorce, including what to tell your kids. Contact us to speak to someone about your case.