Most people take their marital vows seriously when they initially make them, but then their circumstances eventually change. People who thought they would be with their spouse forever sometimes feel blindsided when they receive legal service with divorce paperwork.
They may later realize that there had been warning signs that they overlooked. Those who recognize that divorce may be on the horizon can use that information to protect themselves. They can take the time to gather important financial records and to potentially start looking for representation during the divorce process.
The following are some of the most common warning signs that divorce could be in someone’s future.
An end to marital fighting
While some people note a marked increase in disagreements and disputes leading up to divorce filings, many others report a calm before the storm. Couples that may have had occasional arguments may suddenly stop fighting altogether. One spouse may feel like this indicates an improvement in the relationship. In reality, what it indicates is that their spouse has completely checked out of the marriage. They have emotionally detached, which makes fighting less likely.
Small but noticeable boundary violations
Marriage is all about respect. Happy cohabitation involves the establishment of personal boundaries that both spouses respect. If one spouse has begun overstepping boundaries that they respected for years, that can be an indicator that their perspective on the relationship and its future has changed. Their new behavior may be a warning sign that they intend to withdraw from the relationship and cease cohabitating in the near future. At the very least, it is a warning sign of a reduction in respect.
A newfound need for privacy
Someone preparing for divorce may try to hide the documents they have gathered and the conversations they have had with the lawyer from their spouse. Those actively engaged in infidelity also tend to be quite secretive until they are ready to make a move to leave their current relationship. A spouse suddenly adding passcodes or biometric locks to devices, locking their office door or otherwise establishing new boundaries and demanding more privacy can be an indicator that they have big secrets they need to keep. That often doesn’t bode well for the longevity of their marriage.
Those who think that divorce might be on the horizon can start working to protect themselves by learning more about the divorce process. Recognizing common warning signs that divorce may be imminent can help people prepare both practically and emotionally for the possibility of a major change.