What Are the First Signs of Divorce?

Nobody gets married with the intention of getting divorced at some point afterward, yet a large number of marriages do end in divorce. Indeed, according to Time magazine, although divorce rates have dropped in recent years, a high number of marriages still end in dissolution. Nearly 40% of marriages end in divorce, as opposed to about 50% of marriages in the 1980s and 1990s. If you are concerned about your marriage or worried that your spouse might file for divorce before you can gather the information and documentation you would need for a divorce, it is important to understand some of the early warning signs that a divorce may be imminent. The following are some of the first signs of divorce according to Psychology Today.

Spending Time Away From One Another

When one spouse is spending an unusual amount of time away from home by staying late at work or spending more time with friends, or even trying to keep his or her distance from you in the home, it could be a sign that your spouse is contemplating divorce. 

Lack of Sexual Intimacy 

While marriages go through ups and downs, a general lack of sexual or romantic intimacy may be one of the early signs of a divorce. Spouses who do not cuddle or engage in any kind of physical contact may be facing larger, underlying problems in their relationship.

Lack of Communication and Refusal to Work on the Relationship

When one spouse refuses to work on the relationship—by communicating in private or by visiting a marriage counselor, for example—that refusal could be a sign that your spouse is planning to file for divorce. While working on a relationship can be hard work, it can be essential to save a marriage.

Apathy About Your Feelings or Emotions

Many spouses realize their partners are considering divorce when the other spouse shows a general lack of caring, or even apathy, about their feelings. From minor to major issues, a healthy marriage should include spouses who have concerns about one another’s feelings and emotions.

Change in Behavior

Any general change in behavior can be a sign of divorce, from changing email or smartphone passwords to behaving differently at home to avoiding communication.

Resentment or Anger 

Finally, if your spouse appears resentful or angry, and tends to express those emotions when engaging with you, it could be an indicator that your spouse is considering divorce.

Contact Our Illinois Divorce Lawyers for Assistance

If you have concerns about whether your spouse is considering divorce or planning to file a petition for dissolution of marriage, you should seek advice from an Illinois divorce lawyer who can help you. It is essential to plan ahead for your divorce and to gather all of the documentation you will need to have a successful divorce under Illinois law. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to find out more about getting ahead of your marital problems and making plans to file for divorce. Contact Demetrios N. Dalmares & Associates, Ltd. today for more information.