Feeling stuck? It’s been said that the only way to get somewhere new is to decide you can’t stay where you are. In other words: There’s perhaps nothing more limiting or ineffective than being trapped in a perpetual limbo — especially when it comes to your marriage.
Ready for the silver lining? At Z Family Law, divorce isn’t an ending; it’s a new beginning. But how can you find that new beginning when you’re still mulling over whether (or when) to make a change? And how can you be sure that the change you’re making is, in fact, the right move for you? Keep reading for some guidance on when it’s time to see a divorce lawyer — and start writing your next chapter with confidence.
#1 You’re daydreaming about your future — and it doesn’t include your spouse: Whether your reveries revolve around a recurring solo staycation or a return to the dating scene, you may have already made your choice. Consider this: If you can’t picture your spouse in your future, why should they have a place in your present?
#2 Your spouse tells you they want a divorce: Trust us: If your spouse has already arrived at this conclusion, you need to get your own representation right away. Don’t let them fool you into thinking otherwise. Even in the most amicable divorces, each party has their own lawyer.
#3 You or your children are being abused in any way, shape, or form: Abuse comes in many forms, whether it’s physical, emotional, or financial. But regardless of how it manifests, it’s never okay. Still — the act of leaving is always much easier said than done. If you’re living in an abusive environment, we’re here to help remove you from harm’s way, and to build a safer, more stable future that’s yours for the taking.
#4 You’re mentally dividing up the assets and assuming it’ll be a 50/50 split: … because you think that’s what Maryland law dictates. But in reality, asset division is typically just one of the many negotiations between the two parties. The law only comes into play way down the line – and only if you can’t come to agreement. So don’t get ahead of yourself – get yourself a lawyer who can guide you through the negotiation process.
#5 You’re considering cheating: No judgment here, just a little friendly advice: Now’s the time to do yourself a favor and get separated before you break a vow you can’t take back. Enough said.
#6 If that ship has sailed (see above) and you already cheated: We know you can’t go back in time…but after your indiscretion, there’s a good chance that you’ll need us on your side even more. Don’t worry: Mistakes happen, and so do favorable results in spite of them.
#7 Your spouse is cheating on you: We empathize with your pain, and we recognize that there’s nothing we can say to make it go away. There is, however, something we can do. After all — recognition doesn’t equal acceptance. You deserve better, and there’s a new reality waiting for you on the other side.
#8 You’ve tried every other diet out there just to realize that the only way to lose the extra weight is to shed your spouse: Sometimes, realizing what’s not working in your routine comes down to the process of elimination. And while we applaud your commitment to trying new things, it might be time to acknowledge that the real reason none of those diets have been successful has nothing to do with dieting at all. Whenever you’re ready to ditch the extra baggage that’s been weighing you down, we’ll be there.
The bottom line? You probably never imagined you’d be contemplating divorce, let alone taking action. Whether you feel confident in your path forward or more uncertain than ever, having the right attorney to guide you through the process matters.
Give us a call at (301)-388-5528 to talk through the warning signs you see in your marriage and create a clear plan of action designed to give you the clarity (and future) you deserve.
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