The state of West Virginia allows individuals to dissolve their marriage for almost any reason. However, it’s generally a bad idea to start the divorce process unless you’re truly ready to accept the consequences of doing so. Here are a few questions that you should ask yourself before ending your marriage.
Are you seeking a greater level of control in your relationship?
Ideally, you’ll attempt to address the key issues behind your desire to get a divorce before actually getting one. For example, if you feel as if your partner doesn’t meet your needs, it may be because you haven’t expressed what you want. In some cases, simply asking for what you want may be enough to resolve whatever problem exists in your marriage. In some cases, it may be necessary to work with a marriage counselor or other parties to work toward a satisfactory resolution.
Are you actually present in your marriage?
It’s not uncommon for people to feel as if they are both married and single at the same time. For instance, a person who is constantly threatening to end their marriage may routinely spend time alone at a hotel or at a friend’s house after an argument. An individual who is unhappy being married may constantly threaten to leave his or her spouse or may constantly dream of being single. Generally speaking, it’s better to seek a divorce if you aren’t fully committed to your relationship.
Are you trying to make your spouse feel bad?
Threatening to end your marriage should never be used as a ploy to make your spouse feel bad. Furthermore, it’s generally not a great way to convince that person to change his or her ways. Instead, it may create more hostility in your relationship.
It’s important to start preparing for divorce long before you actually file for one. Ideally, you’ll gather financial documents, the deed to the marital home and other paperwork that may help you obtain a favorable settlement.