Deciding to go ahead with divorce proceedings can evoke complex emotions. In some cases, however, divorce is the best possible solution for one or both parties. Here are some situations in which experts agree that divorce is usually the most appropriate and safest response for those involved.
Physical Abuse
If your spouse or partner has abused you or your children, removing yourself from the relationship can prevent further incidents that could cause serious injuries or even death. It is essential to take your children and yourself out of this unhealthy environment. Failing to act could leave you open to even more severe abuse. Organizations are available to provide protection for children and spouses who have suffered physical abuse at the hands of their partners. If looking for a local center in Fresno, California, reach out to the Marjaree Mason Center by calling their 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at (559) 233-HELP. It is important to remember that taking steps to stop the cycle of abuse now can lead to a happier future for you and those you love.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse may be harder to identify. If your partner routinely makes comments intended to belittle or degrade you or your children, removing yourself and your children from that environment can help you maintain healthy self-esteem and can instill a sense of self-worth that can lead to a happier life in the future. If your children are often targeted for these abusive comments or attitudes, taking them out of this toxic environment and raising them in a more positive space can often help them to become healthy and well-balanced adults in the future.
Repeated Infidelity
While one isolated mistake may not be enough to break up a marriage, repeated incidents of infidelity can cause serious rifts between couples that could lead to hostility and unhappiness. This can create an unhealthy environment in which to raise children and a source of friction between the two parties involved. If you feel that your partner’s infidelity is unacceptable, filing for divorce can mark the beginning of a new start for both of you.
Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol
Drug and alcohol abuse can transform the person you married into a stranger. An occasional drink is not generally cause for concern. If your partner is drunk or under the influence of drugs on a regular basis and is unwilling to discuss or cut back on the use of these substances, a divorce may be the best answer for you. This is especially true if you have minor children or if your partner is involved in illegal activities because of his or her addiction or alcoholism. By separating yourself from these activities and the criminal element that may be associated with them, you can protect your own parental rights and avoid the risk involved in your partner’s actions.
If you find yourself in any of the situations listed above and are considering filing for divorce in California, contact the Law Office of Julia Ann Brungess for legal help.