Does this sound familiar? Your spouse has had one foot out the door for a year, five years… maybe more. Neither of you has filed paperwork through a Chapel Hill divorce lawyer. How long should you wait for him or her to take action? What happens when you just can’t take it anymore—should you go ahead and file for divorce?
You’re facing some really tough questions right now. Whether your spouse is a habitual “leaver” or your relationship only occasionally reaches its boiling point, it’s perfectly normal to become frustrated.
When Your Spouse Leaves: Is He or She Really “Gone” This Time?
Each time your spouse leaves, you might wonder if this is “it.” Will he or she come back, and if so, how will you react? While it’s not fair that you’re forced to feel this uncertainty, you have to ask yourself, “How much can I put up with?”
Counseling: Not for the Faint of Heart
Spouses who run from problems by leaving aren’t contributing to a healthy relationship—but your spouse might not be the only guilty party. Examine what sent your “other half” out the door to begin with and see if there’s something you should’ve done differently. If you and your spouse haven’t tried counseling, schedule an appointment with a local professional (even if you do choose to divorce, your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer will probably ask if you’ve tried talking to an expert).
Closing the Door and Locking It Behind You
If you’ve made the decision to talk to a Chapel Hill divorce lawyer, be prepared to give him or her a quick run-down of your situation. You’ll need to talk about how long you’ve been married, who is the primary earner, and whether you have children. Your lawyer may ask you what you expect as far as child custody and alimony, as well as how you anticipate dividing your property.
Your attorney will also need to know if you expect your spouse to cooperate with the proceedings and whether you’re absolutely certain that you want a divorce.
In some cases, counseling can help couples in your situation. A Chapel Hill divorce lawyer can provide you with legal guidance specific to your case and help you prioritize, but ultimately, the decision to stay married or to pursue a divorce is up to you and your spouse—you’re the ones who have to deal with your choices.
