Divorce season is almost here. Don’t get caught by surprise.

November 23, 2015

January is divorce season.

I know this is a harsh reality. Right now, this is the time of year when most people are thinking of the upcoming holiday menus, shopping lists and time with family.

But for my practice, it is the calm before the storm. January is our busiest time of year.

Some of you reading this know your marriage is ending.

You and/or your spouse are simply waiting for the holidays to end before announcing the separation or filing for divorce.

You don’t want to ruin Christmas for those you love.

But some of you are going to get a devastating surprise.

Your spouse is planning to leave and he/she hasn’t even told you yet.

Divorce season is coming.

But when the holidays are over and the kids are back in school, you will get the news that your marriage is over.

You are the couple I want to talk to.

If you are the spouse who is simply waiting to break the news, please consider an alternative.

This is a huge decision you are making.

I get it.

I have met hundreds of people in your situation.

At one time, I WAS you.

I didn’t want to try again.

I didn’t want to go to counseling one more time.

I didn’t believe he could change even if he wanted to.

But circumstances forced me to try something new, and I’m so glad I did.

Your spouse may not want to change. It is even possible they cannot change.

But before you call a lawyer, put the marriage on hold.

Tell your partner you will no longer pretend as if all is fine.

No more intimacy.

No more family dinners.

No more sleeping in the same room… until you both go to counseling. Then mean it.

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Stop justifying the divorce with the belief you shouldn’t have to go to this extreme for your partner to change.

I’m telling you…it is often necessary to get your partner’s attention. Because you have trained him/her for a long time that while the behavior or attitude is unpleasant, maybe even miserable it is still tolerable.

Change is hard, and we all often skid by on tolerable from ourselves and others. After all, you have accepted tolerable for a long time too.

And don’t cop out with the idea that it won’t matter what changes you make or limits you set because your spouse won’t change. Your spouse deserves the opportunity to get it. YOU deserve the opportunity but more than anyone, your family deserves the last ditch effort.

If you are the spouse who is about to be surprised with news of divorce, I really need to get your attention now.

After all, you don’t know it’s coming. But you have seen signs.

You know somewhere in your wisest self that your partner isn’t happy.

Maybe he/she hasn’t complained in a long time, but that doesn’t mean you are safe.

It could very well mean they have given up trying.

If you aren’t certain your partner is happy in the marriage, your relationship could be in trouble. Do something about it now.

Stop putting your head in the sand and hoping this will go away.

It will not go away.

Your spouse will get more and more distant as time goes on.

Every day resentment builds, and passion and trust erode until there is nothing left.

I fear this is falling on deaf ears. I hear you when you come in and tell me you wish you had paid more attention.

I have watched you sit in anguish as your spouse explains that it really is over and you beg for another chance.

Do something NOW.

Instead of being surprised with divorce papers, YOU be the one to surprise your partner and let him/her know you want to see a marriage counselor or coach. This one action alone could be enough to cause your partner to stall the divorce and wait and see.

If your spouse won’t come with you, it is another sign. Come alone. We can help you!

I would love to see January come and go without divorce lawyers celebrating the boom in business.

There is so much more you can do before taking that final step. You just have to be willing to do something different!

Stop staying silent, complaining without action or ignoring the problem.

Put a light on this and deal with it.

Your extended family, your kids and your future generations will thank you.

Together, let’s get rid of divorce season.

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3 Comments

  1. Anonnamrs.

    This is my marriage. I left 3 days after Christmas for all the reasons you said. Married over 30 years. And the funny thing is, my stomach churns something awful because I miss him so much, but I don’t miss being tethered to his indifference. He is the quintessential human ostrich. I don’t know what the future will hold because he is still stonewalling a month later. But I am going to make a life for myself with or without him.

  2. Anca

    Yes, same situation , just waiting for him to walk out, I’m trying my best, but nothing seems to help, not leaving him alone or trying to connect. He is missing more and more nights away from home (“business trips”). He said he is being selfish and just thinks about himself right now after a 18 years together, married 16. He said he loves me from the bottom of his heart,but doesnt like me anymore, what a cope out.

    • Kim Bowen

      Anca, Healthy boundaries are critical in a relationship and sometimes ultimatums are necessary. It is possible to set respectful boundaries that protect you and the relationship and let your spouse know that you are serious. If you’d like to talk to one of our coaches about how to do this, please call our office.