Do I have a good reason to file for divorce?

Perhaps you grew up in a Kentucky family where the idea of divorce was unacceptable. The benefit of this upbringing is that it encouraged you to work through the hard times and keep fighting for your marriage when things got difficult. You may have given a valiant effort for a number of years, perhaps decades. Now you realize what an unhappy life you have.

Nevertheless, divorce is a permanent decision with the potential for negative consequences. It is not something you want to take lightly or rush into, especially if you have children. If there is a chance to reconcile with your spouse, you may want every opportunity to do so. However, there may be circumstances for which divorce is the best option for your well-being.

The best reasons to call it quits

Getting along with other people is rarely easy, and the high rate of divorce attests to this. Filing for divorce is a fix many couples turn to without giving the marriage a fair shot. Counseling and therapy have worked wonders for countless couples, but you may be in a situation where the time for counseling has long passed. If your marriage includes any of these elements, you may have justification for seeking the advice of a divorce attorney:

• Cheating: A one-time affair you may chalk up to a stupid mistake, but if your spouse is chronically unfaithful, he or she may be bringing more than heartache into the marriage.
• Addiction: You may see yourself as a lifeline to your addicted spouse, but if your spouse has been unwilling to seek help to remain sober, you and your children may have a future of suffering and pain if you stay.
• Money issues: Nearly every couple struggles with money at some point, but if your spouse's spending, gambling or hiding money has strained your budget, you may be seeing only the tip of the iceberg.
• Abuse: No one deserves to suffer physical or emotional abuse from a spouse, and staying in a violent or verbally abusive marriage places you and your children at risk of physical and psychological injury.

You may be fighting with yourself about the best options for your future, and the prospect of divorcing your spouse may seem unpleasant and painful. Many spouses who struggle with this question find peace of mind after speaking with a divorce attorney. A compassionate attorney will listen to your concerns and guide you at arriving at the decision that is best for you.