Can a Separation Save Your Marriage?

Marriage is not all sunshine and rainbows. Living with someone is not for the faint of heart. There’s a lot that goes into a marriage, such as managing finances, understanding responsibilities, teamwork, and raising children. It can be stressful and even overwhelming.

Some people may not be satisfied with marriage. In fact, 50% of marriages end in divorce. But the thing is that divorce is not your only option. When things get tough, counseling is also a good option. But if that also doesn’t work, then you may want to consider separation.

A separation is when a married couple lives apart. In most states, a separation is a legal process, but this is not the case in Florida. Florida does not offer separation as a formal legal process, but spouses can live separate and apart from each other without the need for a court order.

This can be a good thing if you’re not sure about divorce, but are having a hard time living with your spouse. As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. A separation can be a great way to improve upon the marriage and make it stronger, if it is done correctly.

If you know for sure that you don’t want to stay with your spouse, then it’s best to just proceed with a divorce. However, if you truly want to save your marriage and want to make one last effort, then separation may be able to help.

Steps to Take

If you want to separate the right way, with a goal of getting your marriage back on track, then here are some steps you should take:

• Get support. It’s best to have a neutral third party help facilitate the separation process. Many people use a mediator or lawyer, but you can also choose a therapist or clergy member.
• Set clear expectations. Ground rules are a must because there needs to be trust between you and your spouse, especially if you will be apart. Both of you should be on the same page as to what should be expected.
• Know your goal. Both you and your spouse should have the same goal — saving your marriage. You both really need to agree that separation will be done in hopes of enhancing your marriage. If you and your spouse don’t have the same goal, then it won’t be successful.
• Maintain regular communication. It’s important to still have regular contact with your spouse or else a separation could do the opposite and hurt the marriage. You don’t want this to be an “out of sight, out of mind” type of situation.

Seek Legal Help

Sometimes a marriage suffers from traumatic events that can really cause the parties to suffer. When life happens, it may be a good idea to take a step back and spend some time apart.

Contact Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. if you are having marital difficulties. We can help you understand what to expect so you can determine if a divorce is right for you. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling 954-764-4330.

Source:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemplating-divorce/201004/can-temporary-separation-make-relationship-stronger