We are always told to listen to our hearts and follow our instincts –
it really is pretty good advice – so when someone wants to file for
divorce, they generally head to the courthouse as soon as they are certain the
marriage should come to an end. This is not always the case, however,
as some people choose to wait and intentionally delay before filing. What
would cause them to believe that there was a right or wrong time to file
for divorce?
People may choose to delay their divorce for the following reasons:
-
Financial uncertainty: Whether your finances are fluctuating for better or for worse, divorce
popping up in the middle of them can add a pretty big wrench into the
works, especially if you are trying to sell a business that both you and
your spouse share.
High asset divorces tend to be complicated as they are, but a significant financial loss or
boon in the near-future makes it all the more intricate. Waiting until
things settle could help protect your assets and ensure you get to keep
your fair share of them.
-
Empty nest: Many divorcing couples cannot stand the idea of making their children
travel between homes every week or month, depending on the
custody agreement. Holding off until the nest is empty can sidestep that stressor and also
help your children handle the situation, assuming that their increased
age and maturity are paired with an increased understanding of why you
might want to divorce.
-
Physical health: In some situations, divorcing could potentially put one spouse in physical
jeopardy if they are reliant on the marriage for their health insurance
coverage. Does that mean you
must work things out with your ex-spouse if you share a health insurance policy?
One way around getting stuck in a marriage that you don’t want to
end but also not strip away your spouse’s necessary insurance is
filing for a
legal separation with special stipulations.
-
Major life events: Specific dates on the calendar can make some people decide to hold onto
their marriage for a few more months, just to avoid any potential awkwardness.
Is your child getting married or graduating soon? Maybe the holiday season
is right around the corner? Some spouses choose to wait until there is
a noticeable gap in major life events.
When everything is considered, choosing when to file for divorce still
comes down to following your heart. If you truly believe waiting a little
longer will be fine, it might be worth considering in more detail. If you
want out of your marriage, don’t let possible complications scare you from
taking the leap.
At TJC ESQ, our Providence divorce attorneys can provide compassionate
and dependable legal counsel for all your family law concerns. If you
need help filing for divorce, or aren’t sure if divorce is the right
solution,
contact our team for a
free consultation.