Identify Relationship Issues Before It's Too Late
Divorce doesn't usually happen overnight. As divorce attorneys, we witness
firsthand the patterns which commonly lead to a breakdown of a marital relationship.
Repeated behaviors, unspoken resentment, and a breakdown of communication will deteriorate
a marriage over time.
While divorce attorneys often see
couples when it's too late to repair the relationship, therapists and
counselors can help the parties to identify and dissolve early issues. If
you want to avoid divorce, begin by recognizing and addressing the behaviors
that lead there.
Constant Conflict and Poor Communication
When every conversation turns into an argument, the foundation of the relationship begins to erode. Conflict becomes the norm rather than the exception. A breakdown in communication can lead to feelings of isolation and resentment. Learning to communicate clearly and respectfully, with the help of a professional can be a major turning point.Lack of Commitment
Relationships require effort and intentional investment. A lack of commitment can display as indifference, disengagement, or emotional withdrawal. If you or your partner has "checked out," it's crucial to have an honest conversation and determine whether you're both still willing to work on the relationship.
The Impact of Growing Apart
It's not uncommon for couples to have different preferences for activities and hobbies. However, a divide forms in the relationship when there is no effort to understand or engage with your partner's interests. Healthy relationships involve curiosity and shared experiences. In order to maintain connection, you must make time for activities you both enjoy.
Infidelity
Cheating shatters trust within a relationship. While some couples are able to repair their relationship after an affair, it takes serious work, transparency, and often therapy. The key to rebuilding the relationship is understanding why the infidelity happened and whether both people are truly willing to heal together.Domestic Violence
Abuse in any form (emotional, physical, or verbal) is never acceptable and often irreparably damages the relationship. Seeking professional help or leaving the relationship for safety reasons may be the only viable option.Addiction
The relationship suffers when an addiction takes priority over family. Recovery is possible, but it requires acknowledgment, treatment, and consistent support. Without change, addiction will continue to erode trust and stability within the relationship.Unequal Family Contributions
Whether the contributions are financial or related to household responsibilities, resentment often grows when one partner feels overwhelmed or unsupported. Open and ongoing communication about roles and expectations is essential. A healthy partnership is about collaborating to achieve shared goals, not tracking who does more.
Financial Infidelity
Hidden spending or reckless financial behavior breeds mistrust. Marriage is a team effort and parties must be honest about finances, set shared goals, and create a budget together to avoid surprises.
Refusing to Seek Help
Too many couples wait until divorce feels inevitable before seeking help. If you recognize any of these patterns, speak with a therapist or counselor sooner rather than later. Early intervention can make all the difference.Can Divorce Be Avoided?
Divorce can often be avoided if both
parties are willing to put in the effort. At M&T, we want your marriage to succeed
and we encourage couples to seek professional support if they are able to
rehabilitate their damaged relationship.
However, if your marriage cannot be salvaged, our legal team is prepared to support you through every step of the divorce process with clarity, compassion, and professionalism. If you're facing marital issues and are unsure about your next steps, contact M&T to schedule a complementary telephone consultation.