Going through the emotions of contemplating divorce, navigating the maze of trying to prevent it, or even imagining life after a divorce can be daunting. No one enters a marriage thinking of these things, yet nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. 

If you find yourself in one of these stages, you are not alone. Divorce is an emotionally charged experience and profoundly personal, so even if you know someone who has gone through a similar situation, it can still be overwhelming to walk through the process under your own set of circumstances. 

While only 36% of people say they talked to a lawyer before deciding to get a divorce, having a trusted attorney to talk through the logistics is a good idea. This doesn’t mean you are out to get your partner or only worried about fair allocations of money or property.  A trusted attorney can advise you on how the process works, what measures to take, and how to anticipate the journey ahead. 

It’s also important to note that choosing divorce is not a personal failure. Sometimes, circumstances beyond your control happen that mean marriage is not the best long-term option. Whether it involves infidelity, poor communication, financial struggles, or an abusive situation, acknowledging that something needs to change is never a failure. 

Understanding that millions of other people have probably experienced the same feelings can help if you find yourself in this situation. It’s natural to worry about the impact divorce will have on your children, your extended family, and your long-term living arrangements. Two things you can do while navigating this situation are to find someone to confide in and take care of yourself. 

Infographic designed by: Spodek Los Angeles Divorce Attorneys