Every marriage has challenges, but couples need to decide which challenges are worth fighting through and which may indicate a deeper, unresolvable issue. To help prevent divorce, there are many different tools, each of which might help couples through challenges in their marriage, whether big or small. To consider how to avoid a divorce, you’re likely already on a difficult path. The lawyers at the family law office of Goranson Bain Ausley are committed to helping every client make the right, well-informed decisions regarding their marriage.
Embrace the Commitment and the Change
Marriages are deeply personal partnerships that require thoughtful attention and meaningful effort from both spouses. As such, it’s important to have a firm understanding of the magnitude of such a commitment before entering into marriage. Doing so can be crucial in maintaining a healthy marriage as the two individuals grow together over time. If avoiding divorce is important to you and your partner, make the effort to communicate openly and honestly as priorities shift and dynamics within the marriage change.
Communicate Openly and Honestly
Good, effective communication is foundational of every successful relationship and perhaps the most important thing to understand for those wondering how to prevent divorce. When you and your spouse speak openly and listen attentively:
You create a safe space for resolving conflicts early and productively.
You reduce the risk of one partner feeling ignored or misunderstood.
You build emotional trust.
However, even when you and your spouse are honest with each other, arguments and conflict can still arise. The important thing is to make sure that the situation does not become too heated. If it does, step away for a bit so you and your spouse have a chance to calm down before you revisit the topic.
Set Realistic Expectations
Marriage can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience, but you should not go into a marriage expecting your new spouse to be perfect, nor should a wedding be used as a way to “fix” a struggling relationship. Everybody and every relationship has flaws, and a couple’s expectations should reflect that reality. Stay grounded in reality and celebrate the everyday efforts made in your union, be it doing the dishes, writing a love note, or being ready to forgive mistakes made. Approaching your life together clearly and realistically will go a long way in preventing divorce.
Encourage Emotional and Physical Intimacy
A fulfilling emotional and physical bond with your spouse is essential for divorce prevention. Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you have to stop putting in the same effort you did when you were dating. Many married couples swear by “dating” their spouse. Set aside time and mental space for date nights, affectionate gestures, and meaningful conversation. For marriages that include children, this can be more difficult but no less important, as it helps married couples to maintain their personal bond outside of their roles as parents.
Collaborate on Finances
Financial stress is one of the most common causes of larger problems in a marriage. For different reasons, spouses may try to hide their financial problems from their partners, but doing so is a mistake. If you want to learn how to prevent divorce, you need to learn how to collaborate on money matters. Work with your spouse to manage family finances, establish a budget, set savings goals, and share financial responsibilities. Even if financial problems do cause stress, approaching the situation as a unified team can help strengthen a couple’s bond and offer each the opportunity to support each other during a time of stress and struggle.
Respect Individual Interests
Although marriage is a partnership, when you and your spouse respect each other’s individuality, it helps build a sense of mutual respect and support that strengthens your bond. Encourage your spouse to build and maintain friendships with those who are important to them and offer them opportunities to grow as individuals, explore their hobbies and attend some social outings solo. Then, come back together and share those experiences with one another.
Seek Professional Help
Some marital issues may be too big for you and your spouse to handle alone. Should you find yourself in one of these situations, a marriage counselor or mediator could help. These professionals know a lot about how to prevent divorce, and can help you and your spouse work through issues within your marriage in a constructive, effective way. They provide a neutral, safe environment where you can resolve conflicts.
When unsure whether your marriage needs extra support or if it’s time to consider a divorce, the experienced divorce attorneys at Goranson Bain Ausley can help you explore your options and protect your best interests. Schedule a consultation today.
Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of family law and will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you have the information you need to make wise decisions and prepare for the future.
At Goranson Bain Ausley, we strive to deliver clarity about what comes next and confidence that you and your family’s future are more secure. Contact our team and discover how we can help you.