Change is a natural part of life. This is certainly the case when it comes to relationships and marriages. Some couples in Pennsylvania grow closer together as a marriage progresses. Other struggle, with the prospect of divorce looming in the background. For those that struggle, it has been suggested that the fear of change keeps many of these couples from actually divorcing.
Avoiding the steps necessary to initiate a divorce while in an unhappy marriage can have significant consequences. Although some couples will remain married because they think it will be better for their children to stay together, many psychologists believe this may have the opposite effect. The negative emotions that may accompany continuous conflict characterized by many unhappy marriages can have detrimental psychological effects on children.
There may also be emotional and even physical consequences for spouses as well. Many times, the conflict in an unhappy marriage causes sleep difficulties as well as short-term memory problems. Unwanted weight gain also commonly occurs when a person stays in an dysfunctional marriage. Additionally, unhappy marriages may also cause those affected to eat less healthy.
When an individual in an unhappy marriage decides to file for divorce in Pennsylvania, it is important to have an understanding of the legal implications of doing so. The existing statues and case law will guide the court in deciding issues regarding property division, spousal support, child support and child custody. Many divorce proceedings are settled by direct negotiation between the parties and their attorneys, while some couples opt for mediation or collaboration as a means of seeking a fair resolution with a minimum of acrimony. In other circumstances, the disagreements between the parties may be such that a court will need to decide unresolved issues.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Top 5 Reasons Why Divorce Is An Option“, Jill P. Weber, Ph.D., Dec. 22, 2014
