Learning the stages that lead to divorce

Going through a divorce is a little different for each person who has to move through the process. Some people find that going through the divorce is a happy time because they can finally be done with a toxic relationship. For others, divorce is mentally and emotionally trying. Residents of Virginia might like to know about how the stages of divorce could play out.

Robert Sternberg, who is one the American Psychological Association's former presidents, studied love. During the course of his studies, he made some discoveries about divorce.

One point he noted was that divorce usually starts out with a secret that includes negative feelings about the marriage. As time went on, those feelings magnified unless the person sought to change the feelings.

The magnified feelings continue to intensify until everything the person's partner does irritates the spouse, who is already unhappy. After that comes the point when the spouse who isn't satisfied makes the first moves to leave the marriage.

In the early stages of the dissatisfaction, going through counseling may help the marriage. If the feelings have progressed too far or if the person is genuinely unhappy in the marriage, divorce might be the best option for the person.

If you have decided that you need to divorce your spouse, you should make sure that you keep your interests protected during the divorce process. The advice of an experienced Virginia divorce professional might help you to discover ways you can keep yourself protected during the process, so you can enjoy a fresh start when the divorce decree is final. The attorneys at HALE BALL MURPHY, PLC can assist with any needed changes that come with divorce (like name change). Contact our team today for legal aid.

Source:  The News Advance, "Ken West: The Stages of Divorce" Ken West, Mar. 17, 2014