When a couple decides to get married, the thought of separation seems like an impossibility. Yet the rigors of an emotional relationship, raising children, and working full-time can put a strain on any marriage. When a marriage begins to present challenges, most people realize that a marriage takes work and that there will be good times and bad times. But when the bad begins to overwhelm the good, you owe it to yourself and your family to make a change. A divorce can represent an opportunity to start anew and live the type of life that you deserve. If you are considering a divorce, it is time to speak with a legal professional.

Aspects of an Unhealthy Marriage

When a marriage is no longer healthy, it is time to consider a divorce. While the divorce process can seem daunting, removing yourself from a marriage that is no longer working can ultimately be one of the best decisions of your life. Listed below are some of the most common reasons people choose to pursue a divorce from their spouse.

Lack of Trust: One of the pillars of marriage is the ability to trust your partner. Once trust has been splintered in a relationship, that relationship is no longer healthy or functional. A spouse can lose their trust for their partner for reasons ranging from infidelity to irresponsible parenting to reckless spending. If you can no longer trust your spouse to be a good parent, remain faithful to you, or spend responsibly, you need to look into filing for divorce.

In the vast majority of marriages, fighting starts and ends in verbal quarrels. Still, there are thousands of marriages throughout the United States in which one spouse faces domestic abuse from their partner. Here in the state of Illinois, there are more than 40,000 adult survivors of domestic abuse, and approximately 8,000 child witnesses. While escaping a toxic domestic situation can be difficult, remaining in one can be dangerous for you and your children. If you experience domestic abuse, contact law enforcement personnel as soon as possible.

Domestic Violence Throughout the United States

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), more than ten million Americans face domestic abuse each year. Domestic abuse disproportionately impacts women, as approximately 1 in 3 women in the U.S. experience abuse in an intimate relationship. When facing domestic violence in a marital relationship, it is critically important for the victim to remove themselves from the situation. Victims of prolonged domestic abuse are more likely to face issues of post-traumatic stress, depression, and even thoughts of self-harm.

The Impact on Children

Studies conducted by the NCADV found that 1 in 15 American children witness domestic abuse in intimate relationships. The vast majority of these situations occur in parental relationships in which one spouse is abusing the other. Witnessing this type of dangerous domestic violence can have a profound impact on a child’s development, leading to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. While some spouses believe that remaining together can be positive for the children involved, this is certainly not the case in abusive relationships.