Can A Separation Help My Marriage?

You and your spouse have been fighting a lot lately. Things have been getting worse but you’re not sure if divorce is the answer. It would be nice if there was something you could do rather than stay in the same house with your spouse.

Unlike many other states, Florida does not offer an option called legal separation. A legal separation would offer you protections, much like a divorce, except you would stay legally married.

However, you can still physically separate from your spouse in Florida. You can still reach decisions or agreements in areas such as child custody, child support, and alimony without having to go through the divorce process. The state has laws in this regard so that the couple can achieve separation through a court order.

Is separation the right choice though? In many cases, yes. It’s possible that a separation can make your marriage stronger, but you need to know what to do and what not to do. Here’s how a separation can help you work on your marriage.

You Have Clearer Thoughts

With everyday life so busy, it can be hard to think clearly. How do you feel about your marriage? Do you want to keep trying? It’s hard to know when your judgment is clouded. That‘s why a separation can do you some good. You may enjoy being alone at first, but over time, you may start to realize that you miss your spouse. You may find out that being alone is not all fun and games. Or maybe the time apart has made you want to move forward with a divorce. In any case, the time alone will give you clearer thoughts about the relationship so you can determine the next steps.

Set the Rules

Make sure your spouse knows that separation does not mean divorce. You may be on a break, but you need to still act like you’re married. This means you cannot date other people — just each other. You may also agree on a time period for separation, such as 3-6 months. You and your spouse should also agree on terms such as who pays the bills and who is responsible for the kids.

Go to Therapy

If you’re going to separate, you should go to therapy to learn new skills. By learning how to listen to your spouse and communicate with them, you can see things from their point of view. You can also learn how to express your feelings for each other, which will no doubt be helpful if you want to continue to stay married.

Contact Us Today

As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. A separation could be beneficial to a marriage or it could cement your decision to divorce.

What will happen after a separation? If divorce is in the cards, seek legal help from an Orlando divorce attorney from Greater Orlando Family Law. We’re here to seek what’s right for you. Schedule a consultation today by calling 407-377-6399 or filling out the online form.

Source:

marriage.com/advice/separation/can-separation-be-good-for-a-marriage/