A marriage in crisis can feel like a dark cloud over your home, impacting your thoughts, your emotions, your friendships, and even your finances. If you’ve been asking yourself, “How can I save my marriage?” that’s a good first step. If both parties are willing to put in some work, it may be possible to reverse course.
In this guide, we will cover some of the most common causes of divorce. Within each section, you will find tips on ways to work through common difficulties that spouses face in a marital relationship.
As always, the team at The Cossitt Law Firm is available to answer questions. If you have a pressing need for compassionate, empathetic legal guidance, give us a call at 970-488-1888.
How Can I Save My Marriage from Divorce?
Addressing the Common Struggles Behind Divorce
When you were little, you might have believed that love and marriage would feel like a fairytale ending. The truth is that all couples face highs and lows. If you are facing a marriage problem, working through the issue with your spouse can help your marriage to come out on the other side stronger than ever before.
If you want to save your marriage, you first must be able to identify the true problem. Here are some of the most common reasons people ask, “How can I save my marriage from divorce?”
1. I Don’t Agree with My Spouse Over Money
If you and your spouse are fighting because of money problems, you are not alone. Whether you are struggling with student loan payments, a mortgage, or simple disagreements over daily expenses, there are steps you can take to work toward a solution.
Start by scheduling a time to sit down with your spouse to have a frank conversation about finances. It can also be helpful to make an appointment with a financial advisor who can help you to get on the same page to create a plan for your budget moving forward.
2. How Can I Save My Marriage After I Cheated? Dealing with Infidelity.
“How can I save my marriage after I cheated?” you might be wondering. This can be a difficult issue to overcome, but it’s not impossible. If both spouses are willing to work for reconciliation, there are ways to put the infidelity behind you and truly move forward.
Start by seeking couples’ therapy. While it can be difficult to open up emotionally in front of a stranger, working with a neutral third party can help you to address the root cause of your relationship struggles and navigate the complexities of marital infidelity.
As the cheating partner, you must also be willing to admit your mistake. Accept responsibility for your own choices without getting defensive or making excuses.
When you move forward with transparency, you can work to rebuild your partner’s trust.
3. Infertility - A Struggle That’s More Common than You Might Think
Unfortunately, about one in eight couples experience infertility. When this happens, it can put an understandable strain on a relationship. If your dreams for a family are not going as planned, you may wonder whether the burden is possible to overcome as a couple.
If infertility has caused you to ask, “How can I save my marriage from divorce?” consider these ideas:
- Discuss other options for parenthood, like adoption or fostering
- Seek counseling from a trained therapist
- Have open and honest conversations about your feelings.
Addressing the issue and discussing your options may help you both come to terms with the situation. From there, it may be possible to repair feelings of heartbreak and loneliness.
4. A History of Abuse
Abuse can take many forms – emotional, mental, physical, or sexual. If you are experiencing abuse, your own safety should be the top priority.
Never compromise your mental or physical health for the sake of your marriage. Considering abuse, it can be helpful for both spouses to seek individual therapy.
How Can I Save My Marriage During Separation?
If you and your spouse have already separated, it is still possible to recover. Separation can provide you with some time to work on yourself and your own responses to stress that may have contributed to the problems within your marriage.
Other tips for saving a marriage during separation include:
- Avoid playing the blame game
- Recommit to what you want from your marriage
- Identify and tackle the root cause of your marriage problems
- Be honest about how you are feeling
- Remain positive in your interactions with your spouse.
As you move forward, commit to creating a stronger relationship that is built on trust and mutual respect. In some cases, you may need the help of a therapist, who can help you to develop new, more effective communication patterns.
How Can I Save My Marriage When My Spouse Wants Out?
Some marital problems may leave you feeling as though all is lost. If your spouse says he or she wants out of the marriage, that can seem like a pretty clear indication that the marriage is over. However, there are some things you can do to improve the situation, little by little.
Try to stay patient and allow your spouse the time and space that they need to consider their own feelings. Try to be as understanding and respectful as possible. Love is all about acceptance and your spouse may be able to see your commitment as the olive branch that it is meant to be.
However, marriage is not a one-way street. Unfortunately, you cannot force your spouse to remain in a marriage that they don’t want to be in.
Seeking Advice from an Experienced Attorney
When Asking “How Can I Save My Marriage from Divorce” Isn’t Enough
If it does seem as if divorce is the next step of your marriage, please give us a call. We know that this is a difficult time, and we want to make sure that you have the support you need.
It’s especially important to hire your own representation if your spouse has already obtained counsel. You need an attorney who can help you to navigate the legal system effectively. To get in touch or to schedule a consultation, call The Cossitt Law Firm at 970-488-1888.