Photo of Professionals at Weinberg, Kaplan & Smith, P.A.
Photo of Professionals at Weinberg, Kaplan & Smith, P.A.

When your spouse doesn’t want to get divorced

On Behalf of | Dec 1, 2022 | Divorce

Divorce is a difficult decision. If your spouse has yet to reach the mindset you are in, they may have reservations about getting a divorce. By revealing the reality of your desire to divorce, your spouse will better understand why it may be the best decision.

Why get divorced?

When your spouse doesn’t want to get divorced, there are some approaches you can try. First, try and understand why your spouse isn’t interested in divorce. Sometimes this may require some communication and effort on your part. Still, it’s worth it to move toward the relationship’s conclusion.

If that doesn’t work, then consider that you can file for divorce without the help or agreement of your spouse. This can be difficult, but it’s worth it if you feel the relationship is beyond repair.

Why your spouse might not want to get divorced

The decision to get divorced is difficult for anyone involved, and often the spouse who does not want to get divorced may have valid reasons. Some common reasons why a spouse might not want to divorce include the following:

  • Fear of being alone or feeling shut out of the family life
  • Worry about the financial impact of a divorce on both parties
  • Believing that they can fix the relationship and or improve the relationship
  • Feeling like they are responsible for the breakdown of the marriage
  • Regretting decisions made during the marriage that led to it ending

What you can do to help them want a divorce

Another thing you can do is encourage your spouse to seek counseling or therapy. This can be an effective way for them to work through their fears and anxieties about a divorce. Spouses who get assistance often feel more ready and willing to make the necessary changes in their relationship to achieve marital dissolution.

Finally, you need to set boundaries with your spouse. It is natural to want to support and protect your partner, but this cannot always be done without compromising your own needs and autonomy. Ensure you communicate what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior from both of you during this period. It would help if you also refrained from making ultimatums or demands about getting a divorce that goes beyond what is reasonable and fair, considering the situation.