If you have started to feel yourself growing away from your spouse and believe the marriage to be irreconcilable, you might consider whether to file for divorce or simply to separate from your spouse.
So which is the right path to take? This entirely depends on your individual circumstances; every relationship is different. Here are a few things to consider.
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Temporary separation is rarely temporary: When a marriage gets to the point of needing a temporary separation then it is likely the problems in the marriage have already progressed past the point of the parties being able to settle their differences and reconcile.
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Tackle issues while they’re still small: The best way to avoid a divorce or to make a separation actually temporary is to communicate and address issues while they are still small before they reach a crisis point. Resolving marital distress is critical to the long-term viability of the relationship.
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There are financial considerations: While it might not be the most important factor to think about, it is still worth mentioning that there may be some financial benefits to separating versus divorcing or vice versa. Perform a cost/benefit analysis of the decision and weigh your findings with the other considerations that will play a role in your decision.
Ultimately, both parties in the marriage must consider how much effort they are willing to put into reconciliation and resolving their differences. For many, it may be that separation is merely delaying the inevitable. There are, however, some circumstances in which time apart may allow matters to cool and give people some new perspective on their relationship.
For more information about the options available to you, contact an experienced Minnesota divorce lawyer at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.
