Many marriages fail and unfortunately end in divorce. You may be thinking about seeking legal assistance to end your marriage, but you may not be certain if your relationship has reached that critical stage yet. These are some signs that your marriage simply is no longer healthy or functional.

Frequent Fighting or Bickering

When individuals feel frustrated or unheard, they may fight or bicker frequently. This may include arguments over little things, such as taking up too much space in the closet or failing to make the bed one morning. If it seems as though the two of you may not get along for more than a few hours at a time, it may be time to seek professional help.

Fighting and bickering can create a contentious environment. This is very unhealthy can lead to a lot of stress for a household—which is something to keep in mind especially if you have children. Just because you have a history of not getting along, however, it doesn’t mean that all is lost and that you should give up home. A little counseling can go a long way.

Feeling Unloved or Disrespected

You do not have to bicker constantly to feel unhappy in your relationship. In fact, both of you may be completely courteous and polite to each other, but you may feel like the fundamentals of a marriage are no longer there. For example, you may not feel as though your spouse is showing signs of love and affection, and it may seem more like you are living with a roommate. You may notice that little signs of respect that once were common in your relationship are no longer there.

When it gets like this, it’s time to evaluate things. What can you do to better meet the other’s needs? What needs do you have that should be fulfilled? Have an open and honest conversation about how each person in the relationship feels.

Disagreements Over Serious Issues

Some marriages may be on the rocks because of major disagreements over very serious matters. For example, you may argue over how to raise or discipline kids, how to manage money or even if your family should move so that one spouse can take a promotion or great job offer. When major issues are tearing the two of you apart and you cannot find a compromise, you may think that there is no other solution than to end the relationship.

Time to Seek Professional Assistance

These are all serious signs of an unhealthy relationship that can easily make both spouses feel unhappy in their marriage. Therapy is one option to consider, and it is highly effective for many couples. However, if you have tried everything and feel that there is no hope for the relationship, speaking with an attorney to explore the divorce process may be the right move to make.

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but there are times when a relationship simply cannot get out of a rut or downturn. If you have noticed any of these signs in your relationship, it may be time to reach out to others for assistance.

Author's Bio: 

Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.