When a marriage ends in divorce we are often left wondering what could have been done differently. Divorcing or separation from a partner is never an easy decision to make, and it is one that can often involve children. There are a number of telltale signs that a marriage may be headed in the wrong direction. If couples can identify these problems early, it can be possible to prevent the breakdown of a marriage.
Infidelity
Having an affair is one the most common causes of separation and divorce in the UK. If you have lost interest or fallen out of love with your spouse an affair can be a very appealing proposition, providing you with the excitement and intimacy a marriage can sometimes lack. Cheating on a wife or husband shows a lack of self-control, respect, and commitment to a marriage. When infidelity occurs within a marriage, it is almost certainly a sign that the relationship is in serious trouble.
Indifference
Arguments between couples can often be viewed as a sign that a relationship is in trouble; however a complete lack of conflict of any form can sometimes be a sign of indifference in a marriage. This indifference is dangerous because it can be an indication that a couple have given up on discussing their issues with each other. This issue has the potential to eventually develop into a more serious breakdown in communication.
Breakdown in communication
A lack of communication can cause misunderstanding and conflict in a marriage. If the vast majority of communication between two partners is unpleasant, hostile and negative it can cause resentment, reducing the desire to talk to each other and resolve disputes. Angry exchanges become common and personality traits that used to be endearing are now a source of frustration. Finding out news about your wife or husband through others is perhaps one of the best examples of communication breakdown in marriage.
A lack of intimacy
Many couples lose the intimacy in their marriages when they have a family, giving them less time to spend alone with each other. Sharing the same bed does not guarantee a high level of intimacy and a lack of sex in a marriage can become a serious problem when it is left unaddressed. A Lack of intimacy makes it easier for couples to feel disconnected from each other, to the extent that they will sleep in separate beds. A marriage that is lacking in any form of affection is vulnerable to infidelity as partners seek intimacy elsewhere.
Spending a lot of time apart
Couples in troubled marriages routinely substitute the company of their spouse for that of friends or colleagues. When couples spend increasing amounts of time away from each other it can encourage emotional detachment, which in turn makes a marriage vulnerable to communication breakdowns and infidelity. Spouses who keep themselves to themselves and do not share their spare time with each other are unlikely to discuss problems within their marriage. A good level of constructive communication can often be the difference between a failed marriage and a successful one.
Hattons Solicitors have a dedicated team of divorce law solicitors specialising in all family law issues including cohabitation agreements, divorce law and separation.
