Things to consider before you Divorce: The Pros & Cons of Divorce

It’s not always easy to know whether it’s time to divorce, specifically because it can be hard to tell whether the problems in your marriage can be resolved.  Or if the issues are too big to overcome.

Whether saving your marriage is the priority or divorce seems as though it could be imminent, there are always pros and cons of divorce to consider, which can be useful in helping you to make an informed decision about your marriage, or divorce.  

Is getting divorced worth it?

Before you start to consider the pros and cons of divorce, it’s important to recognize any biases you might have concerning your marriage or possible divorce.  

If you are experiencing a tough time in your marriage and are particularly discontent with your spouse, you might consider divorce to be a positive solution to your marital problems. The state that you are currently in within your marriage could cause you to focus more on the pros of separation and ignore the cons.  

On the other hand, if you don’t want to divorce but are in a position where you have to consider it, you might turn your biases toward the disadvantages of divorce.  

So, should you stay married or get a divorce? Whatever your inclination and regardless of the state of your marriage, it’s important to consider both sides of the coin or the pros and cons of divorce so that you can make informed decisions about your marriage that you won’t regret in the future.  

Related Reading: Most Common Reasons for Divorce

How do I know it’s time to divorce?

Choosing to dissolve your marriage is never an easy thing to do. But sometimes things go so bad that you’re left with no other option but to part ways. 

Both the partners tie the knot with many plans and hope to spend the rest of their life together, making a home and a family. At times, all of these plans go in vain when irreconcilable differences arise between the couple.

It is seen that divorce has been on a high lately and about 50% of all marriages in America end up in divorce. Divorce can be due to a number of reasons such as poor relations between spouses, financial crisis, cheating, lack of sex, etc. 

When opting for divorce, it is important to be mindful of all possible pros and cons of divorce. 

Moreover, it also gives you an insight on what to expect if you pursue the path leading to divorce. 

Also watch: 7 Most Common Reasons for Divorce

So, should I get divorced or stay married? Listed below are some of the pros and cons of divorce that can help you in deciding to divorce or stay.

Pros of divorce

Check out the pros of divorce:

1. Escape a violent situation

Domestic Violence is one divorce pro that has no cons. Your safety and wellbeing should be a priority, and you are not safe in a violent situation. Get out and get safe. There is no better choice than to divorce.  

2. Attaining the respect and commitment you deserve  

If you are considering the advantages of divorce due to cheating or pushy and oppressive behavior from your spouse (which they won’t acknowledge or change) divorce or separation will help you to regain your self-respect.  

It will also open up space for you to find a new and more deserving partner in life.

3. Freedom to live the life that you want

Marriage is all about working together, not just in day-to-day life but also in working towards shared goals, communication, and compromise. 

However, sometimes it can become impossible (in some marriages) to comfortably attain these commitments to each other without having to give up something that might be extremely important to you individually. 

This is one divorce pro that will open up possibilities for you to live life exactly as you want it without compromise.

Related Reading: Steps on How to Have a Peaceful Divorce

4.  Experience being alone

Having to make all decisions based on you and your spouse as a couple can create many limitations and, in some situations, diminished opportunities. There are some wonderful experiences that you can enjoy when you live your life independently. 

It can be more relaxing, freeing, and fun.  

Related Reading: Tips on Parenting After A Divorce

5. Improve your child’s wellbeing

Divorce, amicable or not, will affect your children, but so does arguing or other experiences within a rocky marriage that your children will have to live amongst. Even if you think that the children don’t know what is going on, be assured that they do know.

They may not process what is happening in an adult way, but they know when things are right or not. Divorce might have a positive impact on your children, especially if they no longer have to experience arguing at home. 

Although amicable divorces will always be much easier on your children – so if you are divorcing, for this reason, it’s worth considering working hard to make your separation amicable.  

6. Improve your relationship with your spouse

When you take away all of the pressure and obligations that occur within your marriage.  It will give you a sense of relief and space to build a better relationship with your spouse. 

Divorce doesn’t mean you have to remove your spouse from your life, it can mean turning your relationship into a friendship.  

Related Reading: How to Prepare for Divorce Emotionally

The cons of divorce

1.The negative impact of divorce on your children

The implication of divorce on children is an example of a divorce pro and con that can create a challenging situation. 

On the one hand, your children will be better off without growing in an unhealthy environment, but on the other, they will experience loss, fear, and a sense of instability during the process.  

Make it easier on them by working with your spouse amicably, explaining what is happening, and maintaining a routine, security, and reassurance from both spouses as a matter of priority.  

2. Divorce is expensive and financially challenging

Splitting up the marital home and living separately will cost more than it is likely to cost when you are living together as a couple and a family. Also, your standard of living may be reduced.  

If you have children, they need to be accommodated physically and financially, and you’ll probably both want to enjoy holidays with the children independently (great for the children but not so great on the pocket!).  

There will also be the cost of divorce settlements and even in dividing up or replacing the basics needed for a home. One of the cons of divorce is that it will hit your pocket.  

3. Emotional implications of divorce are tough

You didn’t marry for your marriage to end up in divorce. You might be devastated at the thought of separating from your spouse. The idea of spending time alone or starting over might be challenging. 

Everything that you have worked for so far in your life has broken down, and if you have children, you’ll be likely to experience worry and guilt about how your divorce has impacted their lives.  

You might have less time for the children than you had before because of the increased financial strain that divorce brings.  

Related Reading: How to Get a Divorce Certificate

Final thought

Divorce, whether it’s welcomed or not, is heartbreaking. The emotional implications will remain with you for a long time, and while they will dissolve in the future, they can be very challenging in the short to medium term. 

The challenges that this divorce con will bring can be tough, but they will resolve over time.

While the pros and cons of divorce are all relevant, it’s important not to avoid a necessary divorce because of the disadvantages and vice versa. 

Taking time to assess the divorce pros and cons can help you gain perspective and realize the road that you might be on if you divorce, it can also help you to take the time and effort to really consider whether divorce is the right move for you or not.