Reasons Why it Might Be Time for a Divorce

Deciding whether to get a divorce is an extremely personal choice every individual must make for themself. Some people choose to stay in a bad marriage because they were raised to “grin and bear it.” Others realize quickly that marriage is not always a bed of roses and seek to improve their lives by making a change.

While everyone has their own set of values and priorities, psychologists say there are some circumstances where divorce might be the best option. These situations could involve:

• Physical abuse —There is no excuse for physically harming a spouse or any other member of the household. Anyone married to an abusive spouse should take immediate steps to protect themselves. If your spouse is physically harming you, simply hoping that things will get better could have disastrous consequences.
• Emotional abuse — Whether it comes in the form of the silent treatment, constant belittling or other types of aggressive, passive-aggressive, or bullying behavior, emotional abuse can destroy a marriage. If you’re on the receiving end of this type of mistreatment, you should consider walking away. It can take years to recover from the damage that emotional abuse can do to a person’s self-esteem. Ending the marriage may be the only way to let that healing begin.
• Substance abuse — Dealing with a spouse’s addiction can take its toll on your emotional and financial health. It is difficult — if not impossible — to maintain any kind of meaningful intimate connection with someone who is constantly checked out due to alcohol or drug abuse. Nobody gets sober until they are ready to do so. In the meantime, you are losing out on the life you want to live.

Of course, not every person contemplating divorce is dealing with these types of issues. You don’t have to be an abuse victim or the spouse of an addict to know that it’s time to move on. No matter what you are facing in your marriage, ask yourself if you would want someone you love to stay in a marriage like yours. If the answer is no, it is probably time to speak with an attorney about a divorce.

The Long Island divorce attorneys at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. have extensive experience representing abuse victims. We are here to help you prepare for divorce and will be by your side throughout the process. Please call 1.631.479.3839 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with our team. Based in Melville, we serve clients throughout Long Island.