Marriage is one of the greatest commitments—and greatest challenges—you will likely ever face. There are ups and downs, highs and lows; we all find that there are times where we question our decisions, as well as the decisions of our spouses.
As experienced Knoxville divorce attorneys, we understand this feeling. You may be considering a divorce, or at least some level of separation. Before you take this life-changing leap, however, we highly encourage you to consider a few things. Can the marriage be saved? Is this the path you want?
A recent article from The Huffington Post identifies four key questions you should ask yourself before contacting a Knoxville divorce attorney. Please spend time thinking about each question, and also give the questions to your spouse to ponder over as well.
- Have I made every effort possible to save my marriage? Divorce should be a last alternative, after you have tried everything you can think of (books, couples and individual counseling sessions, etc.). If you can honestly tell yourself that you have done everything possible to reconcile the differences between you and your spouse, it may be time to contact a divorce lawyer.
- Am I prepared for the emotions that will come with divorce? If you are considering ending your marriage, there is likely a tangle of difficult emotions twisted inside you: confusion, hurt, guilt, or anger (and maybe even relief). Are you prepared to handle this? Do you need to consult professional help to cope in a healthy manner?
- Is divorce the right option for me? Have you done your homework? There are a variety of options in Tennessee available to you to achieve divorce, but only a few that will fit your circumstances. While researching on your own is a great place to start, this is where a Knoxville divorce lawyer is helpful.
- Am I ready for life after divorce? At the end of marriage—especially one that has lasted years, even decades—there will be an adjustment period, possibly a rocky one. If you have kids, how are you going to handle co-parenting? These kinds of challenges will affect your post-divorce life, but need attention before the process begins.
We strongly encourage you to consider all these questions carefully, and discuss them with your spouse (in a peaceful manner). If you still feel divorce is the right solution for your marriage, contact an experienced Knoxville divorce attorney for guidance.
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